2016-2017 Student Handbook | Page 81

If any party is dissatisfied with the decision of the Superintendent, he or she may request a hearing before the Board by filing a written notice of appeal to the Board Secretary within ten days of the Superintendent’s decision. The notice shall briefly state the basis of the appeal and copies shall be provided to all parties, the principal and Superintendent. The Board Secretary shall notify all parties of the hearing date. The parties may present their positions to the Board orally or in writing and the Board may call witnesses and experts as it deems necessary to aid in resolving the matter. The Board shall forward its determination to all parties within thirty days of the hearing. The Board’s decision shall be subject to review as may be available under Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. Failure to appeal a grievance to the next step within the specified time limits shall be deemed to be acceptance of the decision at that step. Despite anything to the contrary herein, in a charge of discrimination, the grievant, at any time may file a complaint with the County Superintendent, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or the U.S. Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, or the New Jersey Department of Education. Addresses are available in the office of the district affirmative action officer. All timelines may be extended by the Superintendent as reasonably requested and in accordance with Board policy and regulations. Police Presence at Extracurricular Activities The superintendent, or his/her designee, will contact the appropriate law enforcement agency and arrange for the presence of an officer(s) in the event of an emergency or when the superintendent, or his/her designee, believes that uniformed police presence is necessary to deter illegal drug use or trafficking. NCLB Teacher Qualifications Notice Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child’s classroom teachers, specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information:     Whether the New Jersey De p a rt m e n t of E ducation has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teachers Whether the New Jersey Department of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being fully licensed or qualified under State regulations because of special circumstances. The teacher’s college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the degree subject. Whether any teachers’ aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do, their qualifications. The Teaneck Public School District has an extensive recruitment and screening process to ensure that each classroom teacher hired not only holds appropriate NJ certification but possesses a high level of competence and potential for growth; essential for a successful teaching and educational experience. TRANSGENDER STUDENTS The District is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. The District shall ensure that all students, including transgender students, have equal educational opportunities and equal access to the District’s educational programs and activities. The District will comply with Federal and State laws and regulations regarding transgender students and no student shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression. The District will ensure the privacy of transgender students to the extent permitted by law. The District will not question or disregard the assertion of a student’s gender identity. However, the Superintendent or designee may question a student’s asserted gender identity when there is credible basis for believing the student’s gender identity is being asserted for some improper purpose. The District recognizes school-related issues regarding transgender students will vary on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, the Superintendent or designee will meet with the parent and the student to discuss school-related issues, including but not limited to, names/pronouns, student records, restrooms, locker rooms, physical education classes, intramurals programs, interscholastic athletics, and dress codes. 81 | P a g e