The School Law Handbook for School Board Members, published by the New York State School Board Association, defines a Board of Education as a corporate body which oversees and manages public school district affairs, personnel and properties. The Board is the official policy-making body of the school district. It consists of nine community residents elected by voters to serve five year terms. Board members volunteer their time and effort to help improve the quality of education.

Policies set by the Board are carried out by the Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Simon. The Superintendent is a professional educator hired by the Board of Education. He acts as an advisor, informing the Board of the needs, programs and progress of the school district. He is the chief executive officer of the district, responsible for the administration of all policies adopted by the Board and for the execution of all School Board decisions regarding the operation of the school district.

The Board of Education meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Changes in the Board Meeting dates are reported in the Olean Times Herald.

All Board meetings will start at 7:00 P.M. unless otherwise designated by the Board of Education.

The Portville Central School District hereby advises students, parents, employees, and the general public that it offers employment and education opportunities, without regard to sex, race, color, national origin or handicap. 

The Coordinator of Title IX (sex discrimination) is: 

Betsy Griffith, Elementary School Counselor, 500 Elm St. Portville, NY 14770, (716) 933-6000

The Coordinator of Section 504 (handicap discrimination) is:

Tanya Burke, CSE/CPSE Chairperson, 500 Elm St. Portville, NY 14770, (716) 933-6000

Beginning November 1, 1990, the law dealing with the passing of a stopped school bus with its red lights flashing, has been expanded to include SCHOOL PARKING LOTS AND PRIVATE ROADS. People in violation of this new law will be turned in to the proper authorities. The minimum fine for passing a school bus with its red lights flashing is $150 and 5 points.

Traffic in the school circle is restricted to BUSES ONLY during the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. This is the time when children are getting off and boarding the school bus.

Philosophy:
In order to promote better understanding between all members of the school community, which comprises students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, and community members, it is appropriate that this statement of educational rights and responsibilities be set forth. This handbook which contains the disciplinary code helps ensure a safe and orderly environment in which individuals are held accountable for actions and can develop to their fullest potential.

Students are responsible for the way they exercise their rights, and they must accept the consequences of their actions and recognize boundaries of their individual liberties. Each exercise of an individual's rights must demonstrate respect for the rights of others.

The rules and standards set forth in this guide apply to conduct on school premises, on school buses, or anywhere school property is involved. Also included are off-school grounds functions which directly affect Portville Central School. This guide does not define all types and aspects of student behavior. However, it serves as an attempt to set forth policies, rules, and regulations to help students conduct themselves in a proper manner as good and active citizens in out school community.

Disciplinary action, when necessary, should be firm, fair, and consistent in order to be most effective in changing behavior. Discipline is training that develops self-control, or orderliness and efficiency. Being disciplined is part of anyone's education. Discipline is essential for an orderly school environment in which learning opportunities can take place. Self-discipline is the goal of any discipline policy. When student self-control and self-discipline falters, authorities may be used to protect the rights of others and to enable the total school to function smoothly.

Student Rights:
Students have the right to expect a school in which they have the opportunity to use available educational resources to study and learn to the best of their ability. Student rights are protected by the Constitution of the United States, New York State and Federal Law, and the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. 

A. Freedom of Expression 

1. When appropriate and relevant, students are entitled to express their opinions verbally. The expression of such opinions however, shall not interfere with the freedom of others to express themselves. The use of obscenities and personal attacks are prohibited, as is the disruption of classroom activities.
2. When appropriate and relevant, students are entitled to express in writing their personal opinions. Such written expression must be signed by authors. Libel, obscenity, and personal attacks are prohibited in all publications.
3. A student may not produce and/or distribute petitions or other printed documents of any kind that are disruptive to the conducting of school. NOTE: Student participation in the publication of student newspapers, yearbooks, literary magazines and similar publications is encouraged by Portville Central School as a learning and educational experience. These publications have been qualified faculty advisors and strive to meet the high standards of journalism. Opportunities for a broad spectrum of opinions is provided.
4. All students meetings in the school building or on school grounds may function only as part of the formal education process or as authorized by the principal.

B. Rights of Education 

Each student has the right to an education and also has the responsibility not to interfere with or threaten the education of others by his/her actions. Each student has the responsibility to attend school regularly and to abide by the policies and regulations of the school. Students have the right to seek changes in school policies and regulations in an orderly manner by consulting with the building principal.

C. Student Activities

Students have the right to participate in school activities regardless of race, religion, ethnic origin, or economic states. Students, as long as they are not suspended for other violations or due to academic ineligibility, may not be denied participation in an activity for any reason other than those established by the state or school eligibility requirements legitimately related to the purpose of the activity.

D. Rights of Privacy

It is the responsibility of the district to protect the student's privacy. The district will not disclose any information from the student's permanent records except when such disclosure will serve a legitimate education need or when such disclosure will serve a legitimate educational need or when obligated by State or Federal Law (See Board of Education 72-40).

Public School authorities have a special responsibility and correspondingly broad power to control school grounds in order to protect students entrusted to their charge. All lockers, desks, and other storage spaces remain the exclusive property of the school and students have no expectation of privacy with respect to these areas. All lockers, desks, and storage areas are subject to dog searches and/or searches based upon reasonable suspicion. The school reserves the right to conduct random searches of lockers, desks, and other school owned storage spaces (See Board Policy 73-30).

Student responsibilities accompany certain student rights. Above all else, students are expected to use reason, good judgment, respect for others, proper manners, respect for property, and to follow rules and policies.

Students are expected to make every effort to attend school regularly, to arrive at class promptly, physically, and mentally prepared to devote their energies to learning.
Students should be willing to contribute toward establishing and maintaining a school climate that emphasizes mutual respect.

It shall be the responsibility of each student in the Portville Central School District:

1. To be familiar with and abide by all district policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to student conduct.
2. To work to the best of his/her ability and strive
    

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VIEWING ANY POLICIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE AT 933-7140.