District Public Notices

Required Public Notice

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, children who live outside the district but are attending a private school within the district, highly mobile children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.

The Cole County R-V School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation/intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The Cole County R-V School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

The Cole County R-V School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record of the parents/guardians believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The Cole County R-V School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed at the Cole County R-V School District Director of Special Services Office, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 3:30.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

504 Public Notice

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Student records are cumulative folders of students and include records of grades; achievement, aptitude, I.Q., psychological, vocational, interest and other appropriate tests; teacher comments; psychological examinations and recommendations; attendance, counselor comments and recommendations; disciplinary; health; and directory information with is listed below. The principals are responsible for the maintenance of the records in their schools. The counselors are concerned with the maintenance of test data.

Rights of the FERPA are as follows: Only teachers and office personnel have access to these records as needed for educational assistance and information. Within five (5) years after graduation at such time as determined by the school, all records will be destroyed except directory grades, units and degrees earned, class standing and grade level completed. Parents wishing data subject to destruction should request a copy of such immediately after the student completes school.

Parents or eligible students (over 18 years of age) may inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the school principal receives a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. Parents or eligible students may ask the school to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the principal or appropriate official, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their 8 right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

Directory information includes the following: student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most previous educational agency or institution attended by the student and other similar information.

Directory Information will be released unless a parent presents any objection in writing to the school.

Directory Information will not be released to anyone other than military recruiters or educational institutions to which students transfer. This information is not harmful or an invasion of privacy, and therefore will be released without first obtaining parental consent.

Directory Information will not be released unless a form supplied by the school is filled out and signed by the eligible party. Those eligible will be notified when records are released to other schools. A copy of the record will be furnished if requested.

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment affords parents and eligible students (over 18 years of age) certain rights pertaining to the following: Without written consent of a parent or consent of an eligible student, no student, as part of any program wholly or partially funded by the U.S. Department of Education, shall be required to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.
Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family.
Sex behavior and attitudes.
Illegal, anti-social, self-incrimination or demeaning behavior.
Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships.
Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and minister.
Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents.
Income other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program of or for receiving financial assistance under such program.

If a survey covering one (1) or more of the eight (8) listed issues is distributed, regardless of the source of funding, the district will take measures to protect the identification and privacy of the students participating. These measures may include limiting access to the completed surveys and the survey results as allowed by law. Parents have the opportunity to opt the student out of participation in a survey covering one or more of the eight (8) listed issues.

Without written consent of a parent or consent of an eligible student, any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening permitted under state law.
The district will not collect, disclose or use personal student information for the purpose of marketing or selling that information to others. In the rare case where the district may collect information from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information, parents may inspect any instrument used before the instrument is administered or distributed to a student, upon request and in accordance with Policy K1.

All instructional materials, including teacher’s manuals, films, tapes or other supplementary material that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis or evaluation as part of any program shall be available for inspection by the parents or guardians of the students. This policy also includes materials used in sexuality instruction. Further, a parent may inspect, upon request, a survey created by a “third” party before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student. The term “instructional material” does not include academic tests or academic assessments. Parents may request information on the professional qualifications of their child’s teacher and if the child is receiving services from a paraprofessional, the paraprofessional’s qualifications as well.

Commitment to Compliance Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the Cole County R-V School District (“School District”) does not discriminate on the basis of disability against qualified individuals with a disability with respect to the School District’s services, programs or activities.

Employment: The School District does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. The School District complies with the federal regulations under Title I of the ADA (which governs the application of the ADA in the hiring and employment setting).

Effective Communication: The School District will comply with the ADA with respect to providing auxiliary aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities so they can participate equally in School District programs, services, and activities. These aids and services are designed to make information and communications accessible to people who have impairments, in areas such as speech, hearing, and vision. The School District will not place a surcharge on a qualified individual with a disability, or any group of qualified individuals with disabilities, to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy (for example, retrieving items from locations that are open to the public but inaccessible to users of wheelchairs).

Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a service, program, or activity of the School District should contact the respective Compliance Coordinator, whose contact information is listed below. Such contact should be made as soon as possible, but not later than 48 hours before the scheduled event (and, preferably, at least five (5) business days before the event).

Modifications to Policies and Procedures:

The School District will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy its services, programs and activities. The ADA does not require the School District to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. Complaints that a School District service, program, or activity is not accessible to persons with a disability may be directed to the Compliance Coordinator below. In addition, as stated in the School District’s Notice of Nondiscrimination, a person who is unable to resolve a problem or grievance arising under Title II of the ADA may contact the Office for Civil Rights, Region VII, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114; telephone (816) 268-0550.

Compliance Coordinator

Student Directory Information

No Expectation of Privacy

Student Due Process Rights

All students will be afforded due process as guaranteed by constitutional provisions. The process will be in accordance with state law and with the provisions outlined in the Cole County R-V Board of Education's policies and regulations.

(A) Discipline with regards to suspension and/or expulsion: The Board of Education believes that the right of a student to attend the Cole County R-V School carries with it the responsibility of the student to attend school regularly and to comply with the lawful policies, rules and regulations of the school district. This observance of school policies, rules and regulations is essential for permitting others to learn at school.

Therefore, the administrative prerogative to remove a student from the school setting because of violations of school rules and regulations, conduct which materially or substantially disrupt the rights of others to an education, or conduct which endangers the student, other students or the property of the school shall be permitted, provided such action is taken in accordance with due process and with due regard for the welfare of both the individual and the school. School attendance may be temporarily denied to individuals by the administrative act of summary suspension, but expulsion can be implemented only through specific actions by the Board of Education.

The Board authorizes the summary suspension of pupils by principals for a period not to exceed ten (10) days and by the superintendent for a period not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) school days, provided such action is in accordance with due process and state statutes. The Board of Education must be notified of any suspension exceeding ten (10) days.

A student may be suspended by the principal for alcohol, drugs, tobacco, fighting, insubordination, possession or use of disruptive/harmful devices, items, etc. (firecrackers, water balloons/guns, snowballs, etc.) theft, excessive unexcused tardiness, vandalism, truancy, offensive/obscene language or gesture directed at any employee of the district, purposeful indecent state of dress or undress, threat or use of a weapon, and repeated offenses of a lesser consequence. In addition, principals may suspend students who have been convicted or charged with felonies regardless of whether they occurred on school district property or related to the school in any way. Please note this list is not all-inclusive. Notice of such suspension shall be given to the parent or guardian and to the superintendent. Notification shall be by telephone when feasible. The student and/or parents/guardians may appeal the principal's decision to suspend the student to the Superintendent.

The Superintendent will forward to the Board of Education his/her review of the disposition of the suspension. In the case of suspension of a student by the superintendent, for a period of more than ten (10) days, the student and/or parent/guardian, may appeal the decision of the superintendent to the Board of Education. Requests for appeal shall be in writing and filed with the secretary of the Board of Education. Upon the filing of the appeal, the suspension, as determined by the superintendent, shall be stayed until the Board renders its decision, unless in the judgment of the superintendent the student's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process. In such case, the judgment shall be immediately transmitted to the student and parents/guardians and the student shall be immediately removed from school. Upon filing of a request for an appeal of the superintendent's decision to suspend a student for more than a period of ten (10) days, the superintendent shall promptly transmit a written report to the Board of Education, indicating the facts relating to the suspension, action taken by the superintendent and other administrative officials and the reasons for such action. The Board, upon request, shall grant a hearing to the appealing party.

(B) Student complaints and grievances, separate from discipline: Any alleged act of unfairness or decision made by school personnel, which students and/or parents/guardians believe to be unjust or in violation of pertinent policies of the Board of Education or individual school rules, may be appealed to the school principal or designated representative.

The following guidelines are established for the presentation of student complaints and grievances. The principal shall schedule a conference with the student and any staff members involved to attempt to resolve the problem. Parents/guardians may be involved in the conference or a later conference for parents/guardians may be scheduled at the discretion of the principal. If the problem is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student and/or parents/guardians, a request may be submitted for a conference with the superintendent of schools. The superintendent shall arrange a conference to consider the problem and inform participants of the action that will be taken. If the student and/or parents/guardians are not satisfied with the action of the superintendent, they may submit a written request to appear before the Board of Education. The decision of the Board shall be final. All persons are assured that they may utilize this procedure without reprisal. All records or notices, conferences, and actions taken to resolve student complaints and grievances will not be filed and identified as grievance records, and will not be placed in personal files.

Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA) Complaint Procedures

This guide explains how to file a complaint about any of the programs(1) that are administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)(2) .

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Complaint Procedures for ESSA

Programs - Table of Contents

General Information
1. What is a complaint under ESSA?
2. Who may file a complaint?
3. How can a complaint be filed?

Complaints filed with LEA
4. How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated?
5. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local level (LEA)?

Complaints filed with the Department
6. How can a complaint be filed with the Department?
7. How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated?
8. How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled
differently?

Appeals
9. How will appeals to the Department be investigated?
10. What happens if the complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)?

1. What is a complaint?
For these purposes, a complaint is a written allegation that a local education agency (LEA) or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (the Department) has violated a federal statute or regulation that applies to a program under ESSA.

2. Who may file a complaint?
Any individual or organization may file a complaint.

3. How can a complaint be filed?
Complaints can be filed with the LEA or with the Department.

4. How will a complaint filed with the LEA be investigated?
Complaints filed with the LEA are to be investigated and attempted to be resolved according to the locally developed and adopted procedures.

5. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the local level (LEA)?
A complaint not resolved at the local level may be appealed to the Department.

6. How can a complaint be filed with the Department?

A complaint filed with the Department must be a written, signed statement that includes:

A statement that a requirement that applies to an ESSA program has been violated by the LEA or the Department, and

The facts on which the statement is based and the specific requirement allegedly violated.

7. How will a complaint filed with the Department be investigated?
The investigation and complaint resolution proceedings will be completed within a time limit of forty-five calendar days. That time limit can be extended by the agreement of all parties.

The following activities will occur in the investigation:

Record - A written record of the investigation will be kept.

Notification of LEA - The LEA will be notified of the complaint within five days of the complaint being filed.

Resolution at LEA - The LEA will then initiate its local complaint procedures in an effort to first resolve the complaint at the local level.

Report by LEA - Within thirty-five days of the complaint being filed, the LEA will submit a written summary of the LEA investigation and complaint resolution. This report is considered public record and may be made available to parents, teachers, and other members of the general public.

Verification - Within five days of receiving the written summary of a complaint resolution, the Department will verify the resolution of the complaint through an on-site visit, letter, or telephone call(s).

Appeal - The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the U.S. Department of Education.

8. How are complaints related to equitable services to nonpublic school children handled differently?

In addition to the procedures listed in number 7 above, complaints related to equitable services will also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, and they will receive all information related to the investigation and resolution of the complaint. Also, appeals to the United States Department of Education must be filed no longer than thirty days following the Department’s resolution of the complaint (or its failure to resolve the complaint).

9. How will appeals to the Department be investigated?
The Department will initiate an investigation within ten days, which will be concluded within thirty days from the day of the appeal. This investigation may be continued beyond the thirty day limit at the discretion of the Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Department will communicate the decision and reasons for the decision to the complainant and the LEA. Recommendations and details of the decision are to be implemented within fifteen days of the decision being delivered to the LEA.

10. What happens if a complaint is not resolved at the state level (the Department)?
The complainant or the LEA may appeal the decision of the Department to the United States Department of Education.

Programs include Title I. A, B, C, D, Title II, Title III, Title IV.A, Title V Revised 4/17

In compliance with ESSA Title VIII- Part C. Sec. 8304(a)(3)(C)

Local education agencies are required to disseminate, free of charge, this information regarding ESSA complaint procedures to parents of students and appropriate private school officials or representatives.

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA)

McKinney-Vento Act

Homelessness or migrant worker status under the McKinney-Vento Act

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

In a shelter
In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
In a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station
Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Cole R-V School District has established a Homeless Coordinator who is responsible for:

Ensuring that homeless or migrant children are immediately enrolled in school, pending the resolution of any disputes.
Assisting parents with enrollment (including obtaining school, medical or immunization records)
Coordinating transportation services.
Serving as a link between homeless and migrant families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers, social service providers and the Missouri State Homeless Coordinator.
Handling disputes over enrollment, school placement or transportation.

For more information regarding services for homeless students in the Cole County R-V School District, contact office of Student Services at (573)498-4004.

Need homeless assistance or know someone else who does?

The Homeless Coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness enroll and succeed in school. The McKinney-Vento Act requires that every school district appoint a homeless coordinator who serves as the link between homeless families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers and social service providers. The homeless coordinator is responsible for:

Assisting homeless children and youth with enrolling and accessing school services
Obtaining immunization or medical records
Coordinating transportation services
Informing parents, school personnel of the rights of homeless children and youth
Collaborating and coordinating with Missouri’s State homeless coordinator, the community and other school personnel
Handling disputes over enrollment, school placement and transportation
Ensuring that homeless children and youth are immediately enrolled in school pending resolution of any disputes

For more information regarding services for homeless students in the Cole R-V School District, contact us at (573) 498-4000.

Foster Care Liaison

LEA Parent and Family Engagement Policy

LEA Parent and Family Engagement

Section 1112(b)(3) and (7) and Section 1116

The LEA will conduct outreach and engage parents of participating children, including parents of migrant and EL children, in meaningful consultation to plan and implement parent involvement programs, activities, and procedures.

LEA Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Policy Development

The LEA parent and family engagement policy is developed jointly with, agreed on with, and distributed to parents of participating children. Section 1116(a)(2)

The Cole County R-V School District is committed to parent involvement. It ensures parents have an adequate opportunity to participate in the design and implementation of the LEA Parent and Family Engagement Policy. The LEA ensures parents are invited to the annual planning meeting each spring.

The District holds two meetings annually in order to review the Parent and Family Engagement Policy and Title Programs. Parents are also given an annual survey in order to provide feedback to the LEA. Parents are encouraged to provide feedback. Suggestions for revisions are collected at the meetings and/or parents submit their revisions in emails to the Federal Programs Director.

If the LEA determines a child qualifies for Title services, a Parent Compact and Family Engagement Policy are sent home. This information is also provided at the fall Title meeting.

Plan Development

The LEA involves parents and family members in jointly developing the local educational plan Section 1116(a)(2)

The LEA involves parents and family members in jointly developing the local educational agency plan Section 1116(a)(2)(A)

The Parent and Family Engagement Policy is shared with parents and teachers during the spring meetings. During the meeting, the attendees review the plan and give input for changes. Those who are not able to attend the meeting, they submit their suggestions through email to the Federal Programs Director.

Capacity Building

The LEA provides coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist and build the capacity of all participating schools within the LEA in planning and implementing effective parent and family involvement activities to improve student academic achievement and school performance, (which may include meaningful consultation with employers, business leaders, and philanthropic organizations, or individuals with expertise in effectively engaging parents and family members in education.) Section 1116(a)(2)(B)

The Cole County R-V School District will provide coordination, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist participating schools in planning and implementing effective involvement programs by:

Inviting Title I parents to participate in each school improvement committee with the given task of developing individual Title I School Plans and Parent and Family Engagement Policy.

Convening district Title I committee meetings and school annual parent meetings to inform parents of their school’s participation in the development of the Parent and Family Engagement Policy.

Provide materials and training not otherwise available to help parents with their child’s achievement.

Educating teachers, administrators, and staff on how to reach out to parents, communicate with parents and work with parents as equal partners.

Ensure that information is sent home in a language and form that parents can understand.

Provide information on literacy training to the community.

Ensure school-parent compacts are being used to outline the responsibilities of the school, staff, parents, and students in striving to raise student achievement and explain how effective home-school partnerships will be developed.

Coordination and Integration

The LEA coordinates and integrates parent and family engagement strategies under this part with parent and family engagement strategies, if feasible and appropriate, with other relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs. Section 1116(a)(2)(C)

Relevant Federal, State, and local laws and programs that are coordinated with the Title I.A program

ESEA

Title II.A

Title IV.A

Other Acts

State and Local Funds

Head Start

McKinney-Vento

The Cole County R-V School District will coordinate and integrate Federal funds along with other funds including Title I, Title II, Title IV, local, state, and county monies, basic formula, special education part B entitlement, Early Childhood Special Education, and Prop C.

The District has reviewed available funding for existing services and resources to find ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of all programs. The district will ensure that documented meetings and collaboration time will be given to review and identify strategies to improve family engagement.

Annual Evaluation

The LEA conducts, with the meaningful involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the parent and family engagement policy in improving the academic quality of all schools served under this part. Section 1116(a)(2)(D)

The district sends a parent survey to all parents of participating children. The survey is reviewed at the spring meeting in order to make any necessary changes to our Title programs.

Barriers to greater participation by our parents may include transportation issues, communication issues, and/or interest in the program.

In order to assist the needs of parents and family members with the learning of their children, including engaging with school personnel and teachers, Cole County R-V sends an annual survey to all parents of students in the Title I program.

In order to successfully support interactions between school and family, the LEA uses information through our annual meetings, collaboration with stakeholders, feedback from parents and teachers, and the annual survey to identify strategies to determine our parental involvement needs.

The LEA will use the finding of the annual evaluation of the parent and family engagement policy to design evidence-based strategies for more effective parental involvement and to revise, if necessary, the parent and family engagement policy. Section 1116(a)(2)(E)

The LEA will involve parents in the parent and family engagement activities of the Title I served schools (which may include establishing a parent advisory board for the purpose of developing, revising, and reviewing the parent and family engagement policy.) Section 1116(a)(2)(F)

AHERA NOTICE

TITLE IX