RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION

WORKSESSION – DECEMBER 2, 2002

The Worksession Meeting was called to order at 7:37 P.M. in the High School Cafeteria by President Willis with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. On roll call the following members were present: Mrs. Ahmed, Mr. Brancato, Mr. Casadonte, Mrs. Cevasco, Mr. Ferguson, Mrs. Monahan, Mr. Novosielski, and Mrs. Willis. Mr. Gibney was absent for the entire meeting. Mrs. Conlon and Mr. Brown were also present for the meeting.

N.J. OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW

The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Law was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advance notice of and to attend the meeting of public bodies at which any business affecting their interests is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with the provisions of this Act, the Rutherford Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time and place thereof posted on the bulletin board outside the Borough Clerk's Office, mailed to the News Leader, Herald, South Bergenite, and the Record newspapers, and filed with the Borough Clerk.

TAPING AND BROADCASTING OF MEETINGS

As approved by the Rutherford Board of Education, we are taping and broadcasting our worksessions and regular meetings. These meetings will be broadcast without editing during a two-hour time segment on Tuesday evenings at 8:00 PM on the Comcast public access channel. At the conclusion of the two-hour segment, the broadcast will end regardless of what part of the meeting is currently being viewed due to the Comcast time constraint. Any member of the public who wishes to view the two-hour tape should make a written request to the Board Secretary who will have a copy of the tape made available within two weeks of the request. There will be a nominal fee charged for this tape reproduction. We welcome comments from residents viewing the broadcast.

REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT:

Pres. Willis announced that the next meeting will be on December 9, 2002, and that GreenTech Energy would be speaking to the Board at the January 13, 2003 meeting concerning an energy -saving lighting project.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (Action Items Only) 7:39 PM No comments made.

NEW BUSINESS (Action to be Taken)

MINUTES APPROVAL 1A. Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 11, 2002 be approved as recorded.

Roll call vote:

Mrs. Ahmed – aye	Mrs. Cevasco – aye	Mrs. Monahan – aye
Mr. Brancato – aye	Mr. Ferguson – aye	Mr. Novosielski – aye
Mr. Casadonte – aye	Mr. Gibney – absent	Mrs. Willis – aye

PERSONNEL:

EMERGENT HIRES 1A. Resolution by Mrs. Ahmed, seconded by Mr. Brancato.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following applicant(s) under the emergent hiring law as per the State Department of Education:

Genevieve Boshra Riad – Substitute Teacher

Deborah Mingay – Teacher Assistant

Adrian Dobre – Teacher Assistant

Roll call vote Personnel Item #1A:

Mrs. Ahmed – aye	Mrs. Cevasco – aye	Mrs. Monahan – aye
Mr. Brancato – aye	Mr. Ferguson – aye	Mr. Novosielski – aye
Mr. Casadonte – aye	Mr. Gibney – absent	Mrs. Willis – aye

FINANCE:

APPROVAL OF BILLS: 1A. Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that the bills listed below be approved.

Accounts Payable 12-3-02 $383,499.01

Payroll 11-15-02 $1,022,569.63

General Activities 11-6-02 2,147.31

11/20/02 342.40

$2,489.71

Total $1,408,558.35

Roll call vote Finance Item #1A:

Mrs. Ahmed – aye	Mrs. Cevasco – aye	Mrs. Monahan – aye
Mr. Brancato – aye	Mr. Ferguson – aye	Mr. Novosielski – aye
Mr. Casadonte – aye	Mr. Gibney – absent	Mrs. Willis – aye

SECRETARY'S REPORT AND TREASURER'S REPORT:

2A. Resolution by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mrs. Cevasco.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION that it has received and accepts the financial reports of the Secretary and Treasurer of School Monies for the month ending July, August, and September, 2002 and certifies that the reports indicate that no major account or fund is overexpended in violation of NJAC 6:20-2.13 and that sufficient funds are available to meet the district's financial obligations for the remainder of the school year. Summary pages attached in official minute book. Detailed summary in the office of the Board Secretary.

Roll call vote Finance Item #2A:

Mrs. Ahmed – aye	Mrs. Cevasco – aye	Mrs. Monahan – aye
Mr. Brancato – aye	Mr. Ferguson – aye	Mr. Novosielski – aye
Mr. Casadonte – aye	Mr. Gibney – absent	Mrs. Willis – aye

NEW BUSINESS: (Action will not be taken)

PERSONNEL:

Chairperson Ahmed reported on Personnel items to be acted upon at the December 9, 2002 meeting.

PERSONNEL: Motion to move the following resignations, retirements, salary adjustments, reassignments, appointments, etc., pending approval from the State Department of Education, subject to the New Jersey Criminal Background Check and other legal requirements.

MARY FRANCES CALOCINO 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to adjust the salary of Mrs. Mary Frances Calocino effective 1/1/03 due to a longevity change:

From: $79,060 (step 16, level 5)

To: $79,960 (step 16, level 5, longevity 1 $900 pro-rated)

BERNADETTE FARINA 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to adjust the salary of Mrs. Bernadette Farina effective 1/1/03 due to a longevity change:

From: $79,060 (step 16, level 5)

To: $79,960 (step 16, level 5, longevity 1 $900 pro-rated)

STEFANIE KAUP 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Stefanie Kaup as a teacher assistant at Union School effective 10/17/02 for 19.5 hours per week at the hourly rate of $12.50.

DEBORAH MINGAY 4. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Deborah Mingay as a teacher assistant at Sylvan School effective 12/2/02 for 15 hours per week at the hourly rate of $15.25. This is a new position.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS 5. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ the following as substitute teacher(s) effective 12/3/02 at the per diem rate of $70.00 and in accordance with law:

Genevieve Boshra Riad

Dana Truskowski

Dennis Wagner

GENEVIEVE BOSHRA RIAD 6. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Genevieve Boshra Riad as a substitute teacher assistant effective 12/3/02 at the hourly rate of $8.50.

H.S. CO-CURRICULAR 7. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve Rufina Rodriguez as the Mock Trial Advisor for the 2002-2003 school year at the annual stipend of $383.

ADRIAN DOBRE 8. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Mr. Adrian Dobre as a teacher assistant at Sylvan School effective 12/3/02 for 15 hours per week, 2.5 days per week at the hourly rate of $12.50. This is a new position.

ELEM. CO-CURRICULAR 9. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to make the following changes to the Union School co-curricular assignments:

Rescind:

Dara Medoff as the Computer Lab Monitor

Approve:

Janel Braun & Edward Young as Computer Lab Monitors at the hourly rate of $11.75

COACHING ASSIGNMENTS 10. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following coaching assignment changes for the 2002-2003 school year:

Rescind:

Frank Stout – Wrestling Assistant

Approve:

Frank Stout – Wrestling Assistant – Half Time $1,782 (1-4)

Jeffry Steidl – Wrestling Assistant – Half Time $1,782 (1-4)

LORRAINE CZAJKA 11. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Lorraine Czajka as a long-term substitute secretary at the high school effective 12/1/02 through 12/30/03 at the annual salary of $27,100 (11-month secretary, step 8 prorated). This is a replacement for Mrs. Perez.

ABOLISH POSITION 12. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to abolish the position in the district of Custodian/Courier effective 12/31/02.

CREATE POSITION 13. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to create the position in the district of Utility Maintenance/Courier effective 1/1/03.

GEORGE ESSBACH 14. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Mr. George Essbach as the Utility Maintenance/Courier effective 1/1/03 through 6/30/03 at the annual salary of $33,741 (.5 Maintenance Class B, Step 4 $16,964 and .5 Custodian, Step 9 $16,777 pro-rated). This is a new position.

CATHERINE BRUSH 15. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to employ Ms. Catherine Brush as a grade 4 teacher at Lincoln School, effective 1/1/03 through 6/30/03 at the annual salary of $35,689 (step 1, level 1 prorated). This is a replacement position for Ms. McCarthy.

GEORGE TOURIAN 16. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve an unpaid leave of absence for medical reasons for Mr. George Tourian effective when sick/personal/vacation days expire through 12/15/02 or until a disability retirement is approved.

GEORGE TOURIAN 17. Motion to accept, with regret, the retirement of Mr. George Tourian, Custodian, effective 1/1/03.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION:

Chairperson Novosielski reported on Curriculum items to be acted upon at the December 9, 2002 meeting.

HOME INSTRUCTION 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve home instruction for Student “I” (name on file in the office of the superintendent of schools) effective 11/19/02:

FINANCE:

Chairperson Brancato reported on Finance items to be acted upon at the December 9, 2002 meeting.

SUBSTITUTE SERVICE, LLC 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to amend

AMENDED AGREEMENT the substitute agreement with the Substitute Service, LLC, from $650 per month to $767.50 per month. The previous amount was based on a teacher head count of 180, whereas the actual head count is 205. This amended agreement is retroactive to September 1, 2002.

SYLVAN EDUC. SOLUTIONS 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to appoint Sylvan Education Solutions of Jersey City, NJ, to administer non-public health services to Rutherford students attending Today’s Learning Center. The dollar amount will be $66.87 per year per eligible pupil and will be funded by the State of New Jersey in accordance with Chapter 226 of the Laws of 1991.

POLICY:

Chairperson Cevasco reported on Policy items to be acted upon at the December 9, 2002 meeting.

CRISIS RESPONSE/ 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve INTERVENTION the following revised Policy #5141.6 Crisis Response/Intervention on first reading:

BOARD OF EDUCATION ~~OPERATIONS~~PUPILS

RUTHERFORD ~~8460~~5141.6

CRISIS RESPONSE/INTERVENTION

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to be prepared to confront circumstances in which the physical and/or mental well being of pupils, staff, and other individuals on school grounds is threatened or overtly impacted upon by an individual or group of individuals. Situations at issue include, but are not limited to, acts of terrorism, hostage situations, threat of personal injury, accidents, and other threats or acts of a violent nature. The Board further recognizes there is a need to deal with the aftermath of such events and circumstances, and to contend with the psychological trauma, pain, and confusion, which may ensue as the result of these events.

The Board establishes through the person of the Superintendent or his/her designee, a Crisis Team whose responsibility it shall be to act:

1. As a source of information;

2. As a vehicle through which direct services may be delivered;

3. In an advisory capacity to the Superintendent, or his/her designee, and/or other

agents or agencies dealing with the crisis situation.

The Crisis Team shall consist of the following membership:

1. The Superintendent of Schools, or his/her designee;

2. An administrator from each of the schools within the district;

3. School Psychologist and/or Social Worker;

4. Student Assistance Counselor

5. Director of Special Services and/or Guidance

6. Director of Buildings and Grounds

7. Teacher representative (s);

8. A representative of local/State Police;

9. School Nurse;

10. Others as deemed appropriate to the function of the Crisis Team; e.g. a fire department representative, EMT specialist, or other community representatives.

The Crisis Team shall be convened at least on an annual basis:

1. To review established policy and procedures;

2. To orient new members as to their responsibility;

3. To maintain and reinforce lines of communication between the various disciplines and specialists who make up the Crisis Team.

Adopted: July 9, 2001

CRISIS RESPONSE 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following Regulations #R5141.60 Crisis Response on first reading:

BOARD OF EDUCATION ~~OPERATIONS~~PUPILS

RUTHERFORD ~~R8460~~/R5141.60page 1 of 4

CRISIS RESPONSE

In responding to a crisis situation, the school administration and staff shall implement the following procedures:

A. LEVEL I - Threat Situation

In an event of an overt threat to an individual:

1. Anyone becoming aware of such a threat shall, without delay, report the nature of this threat, and any details known about the threat to the building Principal or, his/her immediate supervisor or to the district office if either of the aforementioned are not available.

2. The administrator/supervisor, upon receipt of such a report, shall isolate and contain the individual (s) reported to have made said threat. Such action is to be

taken only if it is possible to do so without further jeopardizing the safety of the

individual threatened or any other individual on the school premises.

3. If the physical safety of any individual is, or might be, jeopardized the local law enforcement authorities ~~shall~~ must be contacted for their assistance.

4. Whenever possible, the building supervisor or administrator shall cause any and all other individuals present to be removed from the immediate and surrounding

location to a place of safety.

5. In those instances in which weapons and/or potentially dangerous materials are

discovered to be involved, the local law enforcement authorities ~~shall~~ must immediately be notified in accordance with Policy #8470 by the administration and the weapon should be secured. Efforts to disarm firearms should not be undertaken.

6. The building administrator or supervisor shall, at his/her earliest opportunity, report to the Superintendent the existence of any crisis situation, the status of that situation and any action contemplated or taken by the building administrator.

7. In the absence of an imminent threat to any individual(s) (such as those outlined in #3 or #5 above), the Superintendent may choose to consult with others in determining an appropriate response to the threat situation; e.g., Board Attorney, administrator in whose school the threat has occurred.

8. The Superintendent may

a) Convene a meeting of the Crisis Team and/or members of that Team for consultation regarding an appropriate course of action.

b) Direct the administrator to:

1) Contact the parents of the individual (s) involved and require their

immediate presence at school to discuss the nature of the threat.

2) Immediately suspend the student (s) from school, pending further action.

3) Require an assessment of the student by a mental health professional before the child may return to school.

4) When applicable, place suspended student (s) on Homebound Instruction, pending evaluation by the Child Study Team.

5) ~~If deemed necessary~~ Report the incident to the local police authorities.

c) In instances in which weapons have been involved, initiate suspension or expulsion proceedings in accordance with Policy #5610/5620.

9. Upon resolution of Level I situation, counseling services may be provided to individual (s) who have been adversely affected. Such services may be made available through the Guidance Department, Child Study Team or through a referral to an outside agency.

10. An incident report must be completed by the building administrator as soon as possible after the event and submitted to the superintendent.

1011. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall report to the Board concerning the relevant details of the Level I crisis situation; specifically, those actions contemplated or taken and the resultant outcome.

B. LEVEL II - Crisis in Progress

During the commission of an act of terrorism, hostage situation or other violence, the jurisdiction of the local/State Police authority is recognized.

1. Aware that such an act is in progress, the administrator ~~shall~~ must, without delay, notify the local, state, or county law enforcement authorities.

2. The school shall place at the disposal of the law enforcement authorities, all personnel and information that might be supportive and useful in resolving the crisis.

3. The Crisis Team may be immediately convened.

4. The Crisis Team may be briefed on the status of the situation and will act in an informational and advisory capacity to the Superintendent or his/her designee and

local enforcement agency during the crisis.

5. The Crisis Team members will provide assistance and services as needed to help maintain order. Efforts should also be directed toward generating a sense of control in students, staff, and members of the community.

6. An incident report must be completed by the building administrator as soon as possible after the event and submitted to the superintendent.

6.7. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall act as the primary disseminator of information to the press, public, and staff concerning the ongoing crisis. No employee other than the Superintendent or designee shall provide information to the media. He/she may elect to consult with the local, state, or county law enforcement authorities and/or Crisis Team in determining the nature and the extent of information to be released. Consideration shall be given to the possible effects that the release of information may have on:

a) The safety of individuals immediately involved in the situation;

b) The reactions or interpretation of the staff, students, or community;

c) The effect upon law enforcement efforts to resolve the crisis.

C. LEVEL III - Aftermath

Upon resolution of a Level II situation, the Crisis Team shall convene to determine the status of the student body, staff, and community and to determine the steps needed to reestablish a normalized psychological/social environment.

1. The Crisis Team shall consider and make recommendations concerning:

a) Individuals who are in the need of referral to in-school counseling services;

b) Individuals who need to be referred to agencies or private counselors;

c) Steps to be taken by staff in dealing with student questions, concerns, and fears related to the crisis. To accomplish this, a staff meeting of the entire staff shall be held as soon as time and circumstances allow;

d) Information to be provided to the classroom teacher which may be shared with students with the objective of reducing fear, rumor, and promoting a calming and healing atmosphere;

e) Debriefing opportunities for staff members who have questions, concerns, and fears related to the crisis;

f) Directions to the staff regarding appropriate/inappropriate media contact.

2. The Crisis Team shall:

a) Review the crisis policy and procedures currently in effect;

b) Make suggestions to the Superintendent or his/her designee for modifications in policy and procedures, which have potential for dealing with future incidents.

3. The Superintendent or his/her designee, shall communicate to the Board of Education information concerning the resolution of the crisis situation, details of actions contemplated or taken and recommendations for changes in policy or

procedures.

4. Individuals who are members of the student population and are found to be culpable in the commission of any threat or act as indicated above, shall be subject to:

a) Criminal law pertaining to such acts and individuals.

b) The civil law pertaining to such acts and individuals.

c) New Jersey Education Law and Codes (Regular and Special Education) as they pertain to such acts and individuals.

Adopted: July 9, 2001

Revised:

CRISIS INTERVENTION 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve the following revisions to Regulation #5141.61 Crisis Intervention on first reading:

BOARD OF EDUCATION ~~OPERATIONS~~PUPILS

RUTHERFORD ~~R8460.1~~/R5141.61page 1 of 8

CRISIS INTERVENTION

I. Responding To The At-Risk Student

A. Suicide - All Risk Levels: Low or Unclear

Situation: A student is identified by a peer, teacher, or other school personnel as

possibly suicidal because he/she has directly or indirectly (e.g. in writings) expressed suicidal ideation or demonstrated other warning signs.

• Each school should have a person or persons (with backups) who are identified for staff and students as the individuals to contact if a student is thought to be at-risk.

• These persons can be anyone designated by the school (SAC, psychologists, guidance counselors, nurses, administrators) who have received special training for dealing with a suicidal crisis.

• The principal of each school must be notified and must indicate how he/she wants to be involved in this particular situation, i.e.,

• prior to any contact with the student

• concurrent with contact with the student

• after contact with the student

Situation: A staff person observes or is told about an overt threat is in which the student has directly written or spoken about wishing to commit suicide and/or expressed a suicidal ideation or demonstrated other warning signs.

• The staff ~~faculty~~ member who first becomes aware of the situation must keep the student under continuous adult supervision until the building crisis team member has been notified. Receipt of notification to the team member must be confirmed. Messages should not be communicated via e-mail or voice mail. The building team member will:

1) inform the building principal who shall notify the SAC

2) request that the parent(s) come to the school immediately

3) notify the remainder of the building crisis team as needed.

• SAC will talk/interview the student to clarify the situation and assess the lethality of the threat.

• SAC may recommend a referral to a mental health resource (agency, therapist, hospital, etc.)

• The student may have ~~present~~ another staff member present during the interviews with SAC or building team member.

• If student is uncooperative, the police should be contacted.

• If the parent(s) or guardian(s) is unavailable or uncooperative, the school administrator will contact the appropriate state-child protective agency to intervene on behalf of the student. A law enforcement officer can transport to a hospital/facility, if necessary. School personnel ~~will~~ may accompany the child.

• An incident report must be completed by the building administrator as soon as possible after the event and submitted to the superintendent.

B. Medium to High Risk: Overt Suicide Threat

Situation: A staff person observes or is told about an overt threat in which the student has directly written or spoken about wishing to commit suicide and/or expressed suicide ideation or demonstrated other warning signs.

• The ~~faculty~~ staff member who first becomes aware of the situation must keep the student under continuous adult supervision until the designated contact person has been notified. Receipt of notification to the team member must be confirmed. Messages should not be communicated via e-mail or voice mail. The building team member will:

• request that the parent(s) or guardian(s) come to school immediately.

• inform the building principal who shall notify the Superintendent of Schools.

• notify the building crisis team member(s).

• talk with the identified student to clarify the situation and assess the lethality of the threat.

• recommend a referral to a mental health resource (agency, therapist, hospital, etc.)

• require an assessment by a mental health professional before the child may return to school.

• If student is uncooperative the police should be contacted.

• If the parent(s) or guardian(s) is unavailable or uncooperative, the school administrator will contract the appropriate state-child protection agency to intervene on behalf of the student. A police officer can transport to a hospital/facility, if necessary. School personnel ~~wil~~l may accompany the child.

An incident report must be completed by the building administrator as soon as possible after the event and submitted to the superintendent.

II. Responding to a Suicide Attempt

A. On School Premises

1. The building team members first priority must be to ensure the short-term physical safety of the student.

The school nurse shall secure immediate medical treatment, using either first aid techniques or telephoning the local rescue squad.

The student will be kept under close supervision at all times.

The police should be called.

2. The school nurse or other designated school building team member will communicate with parents/guardians and principal to establish an interim plan of action.

3. The building team member will make an immediate referral to the appropriate mental health emergency service for the implementation of a plan for short-term assessment and long-term treatment and will:

• recommend strongly that parent initiate immediate steps to arrange for a mental health assessment.

• initiate the signing of information releases to allow school personnel

to communicate with the mental health professionals responsible for assessing the student.

• follow-up (by designated school professional) as necessary to

encourage parents and/or student to maintain contact with a mental health agency.

4. If the student has siblings at other schools within the district, the principals of these schools should be informed by the Superintendent.

5. If the suicide attempt becomes known to other students, steps must be taken to attenuate contagion among vulnerable students and provide

needed support to those who may be upset by this news.

• A brief statement of the facts can be prepared, i.e., that there was an attempt and the student is receiving help. Any additional information is confidential.

• Close friends and students known to be less stable must be identified and contacted to monitor their response and offer support as needed.

• Reactions of school staff members should also be monitored in order to ensure the provision of needed support to staff members who may be especially troubled by the suicide attempt.

6. A ~~faculty~~ staff meeting should be called by the building administrator at the end of the day or as soon as possible to inform teachers of the event, to provide an opportunity to address their feelings and concerns, and to plan appropriate procedures for subsequent school days, if necessary.

7. If the student is in the process of attempting suicide or has already made an attempt, the building principal or assistant principal should contact the police and other emergency personnel as needed. The area should be cleared of other students immediately. Once the student has been provided with emergency medical attention, the building principal shall notify the superintendent. At the building principal's discretion, all students will be kept in current classes until the emergency is over.

8. All faculty, staff, or administrators (including the principal) who directly dealt with the suicidal student should participate in a mandatory debriefing session with a mental health consultant who is trained in post-crisis debriefing.

B. Off School Premises:

1. The building team members should attempt to engage the student in supportive interaction to determine exactly what happened in the suicide attempt.

2. The building team member will then establish communication with the parent which focuses on:

• recognition of the seriousness of the problem

• need for professional help

3. The building team member will make an immediate referral to the appropriate mental appropriate mental health emergency service for the implementation of a plan for short-term assessment and long-term treatment and will:

• recommend strongly that parent(s) initiate immediate steps to arrange for a mental health assessment.

• initiate the signing of information releases to allow school personnel to communicate with the mental health professionals responsible for assessing the student.

• follow-up (by designated school professional as necessary to encourage parents and/or student to maintain contact with a mental health agency.

4. If the student has siblings at other schools within the district, the principals of these schools should be informed by the superintendent.

5. When the suicide attempt becomes known to other students, steps must be taken to attenuate contagion among vulnerable students and provide needed support to those who may be upset by this news.

• A brief statement of the facts can be prepared, i.e., that there was an attempt and the student is receiving help. Any additional information is confidential.

• Close friends and students known to be less stable must be identified and contacted to monitor their response and offer support as needed.

• Reactions of school staff members should also be monitored in order to ensure the provision of needed support to staff members who may be especially troubled by the suicide attempt.

6. A ~~faculty~~ staff meeting should be called by the Building Administrator at the end of the day (or as soon as possible) to inform teachers of the event, to provide an opportunity to address their feelings and concerns, and to plan appropriate procedures for subsequent school days, if necessary.

III. Returning to School After a Suicide Attempt

1. The appropriate school official, upon learning from student's parents, or, if student is hospitalized, from hospital liaison person, about expected length of absence time, should contact student's teachers and request class work assignments that can be completed at home.

2. The designated staff person will maintain periodic contact with the student while he/she is away from school, keeping her or him informed about latest developments in the school; e.g. team scores, other special events, etc.

3. Immediately prior to student's return, the building team member will seek consultation with community treatment resources to learn of any specific treatment objectives which the school might be instrumental in supporting. Prior signed "Release of Information" form will be required. The student will not be readmitted without medical clearance and the appropriate consultation having occurred.

4. Discussion of the case in general faculty meetings is not recommended, unless such discussion can be specifically related to treatment and support needs of student. Generally, discussion of the case with any faculty or other staff should only be on a specific "need to know" basis. Only those persons directly involved with the student need to know about the attempt. Any discussion by these staff with the colleagues is an unethical breach

of confidentiality.

5. Discussion of the case in classroom settings should be avoided entirely since such discussion would constitute a violation of the student's right to confidentiality, and such discussion would serve no useful purpose to the

student.

6. If, by chance, the attempt was generally known to faculty and/or students, the same rules concerning general discussion of the incident (4 and 5) still apply.

7. School personnel or students who are aware of the case can be encouraged to discuss any of their concerns or reactions with an appropriate administrator or counselor.

8. The building team member should maintain periodic contact with student and his/her parents, following his or her return to school in order to monitor progress and offer appropriate level of support.

9. Generally, every attempt should be made to help the student return to normal functioning by treating him/her as similarly as possible to any student returning from any injury or illness.

IV. Responding to a Critical Situation:

Situation: A catastrophic situation (i.e. a completed suicide, a tragic car accident, a violent incident, child abuse, abduction, and/or rape/abduction) is reported to the Superintendent.

Each school will have a core Crisis Response Team consisting of previously designated members of the faculty, administration, and mental health services staff. There will also be a previously designated district-wide Crisis Response Team which will be convened to manage catastrophic incidents which have severe impact on all schools in the district.

1. The school superintendent or (designee) will obtain from police all pertinent information concerning the catastrophic incident.

2. The superintendent will convene the school (or District) Crisis Response Team. Based upon the severity of the event, the Team will decide which, if any of steps 3-10 will be implemented.

3. If the incident occurs or is discovered during the school day, immediate arrangements will be made in order to have siblings of those involved accompanied home.

4. The Crisis Response Team leader will coordinate support (which has been pre- arranged) from community mental health agencies.

5. The Superintendent (or designee) will put into action the planned news media control procedures.

• designate a spokes-person(s)

• prepare written news releases. Control/limit access to all other written material.

• designate grounds access perimeters for news media to minimize disruption to school activities. Specify news media office/interview rooms.

6. The Superintendent or designee will arrange emergency ~~faculty~~ staff meeting as soon as possible in order to:

• disclose all relevant facts pertaining to the event

• allow time for immediate staff reactions

• compile list of all students who were close to those involved in the incident

• compile list of all school staff members who had contact with those involved

• update or compile list of all students considered at-risk for possible suicideal or ideation

• review planned school response during subsequent school days and weeks including policy regarding contacts with news media

• review planned small group (in-class) disclosure to students of relevant facts including suggested discussion format.

• review procedures for making student referrals from classes to designated crisis/survivor support rooms

7. The Crisis Response Team will initiate meetings with all students. The meetings will be structured in small groups (classrooms) only:

• disclose all relevant facts pertaining to tragedy

• proceed with pre-planned small-group discussion process

• announce locations of crisis/survivor support rooms and time availability

• re-orient students to ongoing classroom activities.

8. The Crisis Response Team will initiate survivor group counseling sessions for:

• students who were closest to deceased

• other concerned/troubled students

• faculty/staff members

9. The Crisis Response Team will arrange meetings for parents in order to:

• disclose facts and inform of subsequent steps taken by school

• review school/community resources they may wish to utilize

• remind them of their children's special needs during the crisis period.

10. The Crisis Response Team will initiate additional survivor support services as follows:

• reschedule any immediately, impending stressful academic exercises/tests if possible.

• inform local hot-line and mental health center of events at school so they

can be prepared to meet student needs.

• contact administrators in surrounding schools and districts. Aftermath of tragedy also affects students and staff in other schools.

Situation: Child abuse is witnessed and/or suspected

1. The state/child protection agency is notified by staff member.

2. The Principal is notified.

3. The Principal notifies the Superintendent of Schools and a law enforcement official as appropriate.

Situation: An abduction occurs.

1. If the abduction is witnessed or reported, 911 is call immediately.

2. Principal is notified.

3. Principal notifies the Superintendent of Schools.

Situation: There is an abduction or rape/abduction attempt.

1. 911 is notified.

2. Principal is notified.

3. Principal notifies the Superintendent of Schools.

4. The family is notified.

5. The child is contained.

6. The Principal assigns a building crisis team member to serve as a surrogate for the interview with a state/child protection agency

representative.

Adopted: July 9, 2001

Revised:

BOARD OF EDUCATION ~~OPERATIONS~~PUPILS

RUTHERFORD ~~R8460.1~~R5141.61/page 8 of 8

Administrator Checklist: Responding to a Crisis

Upon receiving notification of a tragedy, the following actions will be taken by school administration:

1. Call police and/or authority to verify facts (Principal/designee)

2. Notify Superintendent of Schools and, if needed, other members of crisis management team; identify district liaison with media; prepare press release/information sheet (Principal/designee)

3. Notify other schools' administration if there are other family members in district (Principal/designee)

4. Activate staff telephone chain and notify staff of meeting to be held before opening of school. (Principal)

5. Activate PTA emergency telephone chain if appropriate. Notify PTA President of tragedy and steps which school will be taking. (Principal) Note: Information on phone chain should be provided to an adult only. Messages regarding specific information should not be left on voicemail or communicated to a child.

6. Conduct pre-school opening meetings of building crisis management team; identify "at risk" students. (Principal/designee)

7. Prepare information sheet for distribution at staff meeting, as appropriate.

8. Contact local clergy to request assistance with students/parents, if appropriate.

(Principal/designee)

9. Conduct Staff Meeting

• Distribute fact sheet to all to be read in homerooms

• Advise staff of funeral arrangements, if known

• Identify steps for dealing with students, staff, media

10. Proceed with normal school day schedule as much as possible

11. Contact parents to express sympathy (Principal/designee)

12. Attend funeral as needed; students may attend with prior written parental permission.

13. Schedule subsequent faculty meetings as needed

14. Schedule small meetings with parents and/or students as needed

Ø Discussion: Following Policies in Series 5000 – Pupils:

5120 Assessment of Individual Needs

5124 Reporting to Parents/Guardians

5125 Pupil Records

5127 Commencement Activities

5141.4 Child Abuse and Neglect

5142 Pupil Safety

5142.1 Safety Patrols

5145.4 Equal Educational Opportunity

5145.5 Photographs of Pupils

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS:

Chairperson Monahan reported on the meeting of the Buildings and Grounds Committee and items to be acted upon at the December 9, 2002 meeting.

ROOF PROJECT 1. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

HIGH SCHOOL the submittal of the rehabilitation of Roof at Rutherford High School Project Application to the Department of Education, for educational and funding review, in accordance with the District’s Long Range Facilities Plan.

ROOF PROJECT 2. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve

PIERREPONT the submittal of the rehabilitation of Roof at Pierrepont School Project Application to the Department of Education, for educational and funding review, in accordance with the District’s Long Range Facilities Plan.

CHAPIN ARCH. SVCS. P.A. 3. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve a Professional Services Contract with Chapin Architectural Services, P.A. in the amount of $1,964,578.00 for Architectural and Engineering Services in the Programming and Schematic Phases of the General District improvement Project.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 4. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE RUTHERFORD BOARD OF EDUCATION to approve a

AGREEMENT professional services agreement with Richard S. Kessler, P.E., for Geotechnical Engineering Services for Subsurface Investigation and Analysis - Proposed Additions and Alterations at Sylvan, Union, Washington, and High School in the amount of $23,482.50.

OLD BUSINESS: (No action to be Taken)

Pres. Willis mentioned that the Sports Booster Dinner will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2002.

MEETING OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 9:57 PM No comments made.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Mr. Brancato, seconded by Mr. Ferguson that an Executive Session be held at 10:08 P.M. for the purpose of discussing Personnel. Action may or may not be taken. The Board expects to return within 10 minutes.

Approved.

The Board returned at 10:15 P.M.

ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Mr. Ferguson, seconded by Mrs. Ahmed that the meeting be adjourned at 10:16 P.M.

Approved.