CODE H1

SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Policy
It is the policy of the ________________School District to encourage the involvement of the community in its schools.

Implementation
An effective community outreach program is a necessary component of a school system's organization and operation. Therefore, the Board will provide the means necessary to develop and implement such a program.

The school system's community outreach program should:

1. create a planned, systematic, two-way communications process between the Board and the school community;
2. encourage a better understanding of the objectives, accomplishments and needs of the school system within the community;
3. create opportunities for school involvement through volunteerism, business/organizational partnerships, sponsorships, internships and other joint projects;
4. use a variety of media including but not limited to meetings, letters and e-mail, circulars, web sites, seminars, publications, communications media, and personal contacts;
5. provide the channels necessary for resolving grievances and eliminating misunderstandings;
6. inform concerned persons as to their rights, privileges and responsibilities.
7. provide that, when circumstances warrant, the board will designate an administrator or board member to be the spokesperson for the board or district on a given topic or specific incident. When such a designation has been made, the designated individual shall respond on behalf of the district or board to all inquiries related to the topic or incident, and board members and staff members will refer all inquiries to the designated individual.