Compliance
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Board’s policy of nondiscrimination extends to students, staff, job applicants, the general public and individuals with whom it does business and applies to race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, religion, sex, economic status, age, disability or military status.
The Board does not discriminate on the basis of legally acquired genetic information.
The Board does not permit discriminatory practices and views harassment as a form of discrimination. Harassment is defined as intimidation by threats of or actual physical violence; the creation, by whatever means including the use of electronic communications devices, of a climate of hostility or intimidation; or the use of language, conduct or symbols in such a manner as to be commonly understood to convey hatred, contempt or prejudice or to have the effect of insulting or stigmatizing an individual.
Employees or students who engage in discrimination of another employee or student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
Permission, consent or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to discrimination does not lessen the prohibition contained in this policy.
No one shall retaliate against an employee or student because he/she files a grievance; assists or participates in an investigation, proceeding or hearing regarding the charge of discrimination of an individual; or because he/she has opposed language or conduct that violates this policy.
The Board designates the following individual to serve as the District’s compliance officer/civil rights coordinator:
Title:
Superintendent
Address:
197 Brocklesby Road, Caledonia OH 43314
Phone number:
740-725-5401
Email:
superintendent@rvk12.org
The compliance officer is responsible for coordinating the District’s efforts to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including the District’s duty to address any inquires or complaints regarding discrimination/retaliation or denial of equal access in a prompt and equitable manner.
Reports and Complaints of Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment
All persons associated with the District, including, but not limited to, the Board, administration, staff, students and third parties are encouraged to promptly report incidents of unlawful discrimination/harassment.
The Board has developed complaint procedures, which are made available to every member of the school community. The Board also has identified disciplinary penalties, which may be imposed on the offender(s).
Matters, including the identity of both the charging party and the accused, are kept confidential to the extent possible.
EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
All students of the District have equal educational opportunities.
Students have the right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, economic status, marital status, pregnancy, age or disability in all decisions affecting admissions; membership in school-sponsored organizations, clubs or activities; access to facilities; distribution of funds; academic evaluations or any other aspect of school-sponsored activities. Any limitations with regard to participation in a school-sponsored activity are based on criteria reasonably related to that specific activity.
CAREER-TECHNICAL EDUCATION
The schools should provide education that is pertinent to the practical aspects of life and prepares students to make the transition from the school setting to the world of work. Therefore, the Board supports the inclusion of career-technical education in the basic curriculum.
Career-technical education is a program that enables each student to gain career awareness and to explore career opportunities in all fields so that he/she can make informed decisions about his/her future occupations.
The Board charges the administration with the responsibility for implementation of the career-technical education program in the schools.
Career-technical education is a concept that can be taught in the classroom at all grade levels.
In grades seven through 12, it specifically incorporates career exploration, career guidance and career-technical education opportunities. The latter are designed to equip students to enter postsecondary occupational education programs and/or specific occupations directly from high school.
Career-technical education is available as an integral part of the curriculum at the secondary level. It is geared to technological and economic conditions and changes, and, as a core component of comprehensive education, shares with other aspects of the high school curriculum the purpose of development of character, attitudes and skills. Guidance and counseling services are provided to each student throughout his/her program.
In an effort to meet the changing needs of the global, high-tech workforce, educational programs offered to secondary school students, adults, postgraduates and others desiring to obtain necessary workforce skills are established in accordance with State law and the Ohio Administrative Code.
The educational program is administered by the Superintendent/designee.
River Valley Local Schools - ARP ESSER Plan
Parents, Students, and Staff,
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) Fund was enacted as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, Public Law 117-2.ARP ESSER provides a total of nearly $122 billion to States and school districts. These funds can be used for limited purposes over the next three school years to address learning loss and for the safe reopening and operation of schools and address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. River Valley Schools will receive an initial allocation of $1.25 million for the ARP ESSER allocation. Again, these funds can only be used for areas listed above.
Any school district receiving ARP ESSER Funds must develop a “Safe Return to In-person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan.” River Valley Local Schools developed a “Return to Learn” Plan prior to the 2020-21 school year. Although this plan meets a significant amount of the ARP ESSER requirements, it is important to note: the “Return to Learn” plan will change before the start of the 2021-22 school year as we adjust to the current situation and guidance from state and local education and health agencies.
One of the major changes we anticipate is allowing parents to make a decision on whether or not their child(ren) wear masks/facial coverings while at school or on the bus, unless the Governor’s orders, or additional orders from the Department of Health require us to do so. However, it is important to note that the ARP ESSER federal guidance required that plans include, or could be modified to include guidance on masks, physical distancing, handwashing , cleaning, etc. While our “Return to Learn” plan addresses many of these areas, River Valley will continue to make changes in response to the current situation and based on feedback from parents, students, and staff.
In regards to the ARP ESSER Funds, each district must have a plan that includes, or will be modified to include how it will maintain the health and safety of students, educators, and other school and LEA staff, and the extent to which it has adopted policies, and a description of any such policies, on each of the CDC’s safety recommendations including:
- Universal and correct wearing of masks;
- Physical distancing (e.g., including use of cohorts/podding);
- Handwashing and respiratory etiquette;
- Cleaning and maintaining healthy facilities, including improving ventilation;
- Contact tracing in combination with isolation and quarantine, in collaboration with the state, local, territorial or tribal health departments;
- Diagnostic and screening testing;
- Efforts to provide vaccinations to educators, other staff and students, if eligible; and
- Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to the health and safety policies.
- Ensure continuity of services, including but not limited to services to address students’ academic needs and students’ and staff social, emotional, mental health and other needs, which may include student health and food services.
- Appropriate accommodations for children with disabilities with respect to the health and safety policies.
Any input or feedback regarding the District's plan related to the above bullet points can be sent to feedback@rvk12.org Please remember to include pertinent contact information (phone number, address, etc.) in the email so that the District can contact you if we require additional information or have questions. Thank you!
Title IX
Contact information for the District’s Title IX Coordinators can be found in the Official Board Policy, Section A: Foundations and Basic Commitments, Code: ACAA
Ohio House Bill 99
On January 12, 2023, the River Valley Local Board of Education approved a resolution authorizing the use of armed staff in the district. With the passage of Ohio House Bill 99, a school district Board of Education that chooses to use armed staff must inform their community through a public notice. This serves as that notice to our community. Additionally, the letter sent to all parents and staff with details about this decision can be viewed here.
SWSF/DPIA
