Visitors to the schools of the district shall be governed by the following rules:
1. Each Building Principal shall establish and maintain a safety plan outlining the process for registration and authorization for visits to his/her school. Such plans shall be submitted to the Superintendent of Schools for approval, and thereafter be made available in the school.
2. The Building Principal must be contacted by the person or group wishing to visit, and prior approval must be obtained for the visit.
3. Parents or guardians wishing to speak with a specific teacher concerning the progress of a child must make an appointment with the teacher, in addition to obtaining the permission of the Building Principal.
4. All visitors must enter through the designated single point of entry (except in the case of a handicapped entrance being more suitable for a disabled individual). Visitors must provide identification, which will be entered into the visitor management system, sign in, and be issued a visitor’s permit (as applicable), which must be displayed at all times. The permit must be returned, and the visitor must sign out at the conclusion of the visit.
5. Visitors to schools may be denied entry for any reason, including as a result of a search on the visitor management system. Any visitor who is denied entry must leave school premises immediately.
6. Registration shall not be required for school functions open to the public, whether or not school-related.
7. Parents are encouraged to visit guidance counselors, school nurses, school psychologists and other support personnel, by appointment, in order to discuss any school-related problems or concerns the parent may have regarding the student.
8. Any visitor wishing to inspect school records or interview students on school premises must comply with all applicable Board policies and administrative regulations. In questionable cases, the visitor shall be directed to the Superintendent’s office to obtain written permission for such a visit.
9. The Principal is authorized to take any action necessary to secure the safety of students and school personnel. Unauthorized visitors shall be requested to leave school premises immediately, and will be subject to arrest and prosecution for trespassing, pursuant to the New York State Penal Law, if they refuse.
Cross-ref: 1520, Public Conduct on School Property
5500, Student Records
Ref: Education Law §§1708; 2801
Adoption date: May 27, 1997
Revised: May 28, 2013
Reviewed: February 27, 2017
Revised: March 27, 2023