The Board of Education recognizes that depression and self-destruction are problems of increasing severity among children and adolescents. A student who suffers the psychological disability of depression cannot benefit fully from the educational program of the schools, and a student who has attempted self-destruction poses a danger both to himself/herself and to other students.

The Board directs all school personnel to be alert to the student who exhibits signs of unusual depression or who threatens or attempts suicide. Any such signs or the report of such signs from another student or staff member should be taken with the utmost seriousness.

The Superintendent shall develop and implement administrative guidelines whereby members of the professional staff understand how to use an intervention procedure which includes the following:

The Superintendent shall implement instruction for staff and students on the dangers of depression and suicide through appropriate programs. Such instruction shall focus on:

Parents/Guardians shall be notified of any suicide prevention instruction provided their children at a particular building.

Throughout any intervention, it is essential that Board policies and District guidelines regarding confidentiality be observed at all times.

The Principal should follow Board policy on confidentiality of information on students but should also immediately notify the parents of their child's suicide attempt or of any tendencies toward such action.

The Superintendent shall provide for in-service training to alert staff to those traits and behaviors which signal suicide.

M.C.L.A. 380.1171
Kelson v City of Springfield, 767 F 2d 651 (9^th Cir. 1985)

Revised 2/16/93
Revised 4/18/07