The Board of Education welcomes and encourages visits to school by parents, other adult residents of the community, interested educators and community officials. But in order for the educational program to continue undisturbed when visitors are present and to prevent the intrusion of disruptive persons into the schools, it is necessary to invoke visitor controls.

All visitors must report to the school office immediately upon entering the school or other Roane County Schools facility. Each Roane County public school and other facilities shall post a sign which requires visitors to report to the office and such sign shall be prominently displayed on the exterior doors of the school or facility.

The Superintendent, principal or other building administrator has the authority to prohibit the entry of any person to Roane County schools or to expel any person when there is reason to believe the presence of such person would be detrimental to the good order of the school. If such an individual refuses to leave the school grounds, threatens or creates a disturbance, the Superintendent, principal or other building administrator is authorized to request assistance from the local law enforcement agency.

Except as set forth in County policy, administrative guideline or in the case of "service animals" required for use by a person with a disability, no other animals may be on school premises at any time.

The Superintendent shall promulgate such administrative guidelines as are necessary for the protection of students and employees of Roane County Schools from disruption to the educational program or to the efficient conduct of the school environment.

Rules regarding entry of persons other than students, staff, and faculty upon school grounds or premises shall be posted conspicuously at or near the entrance to such grounds or premises if there are no formal entrances, and at the main entrance to each school building. In addition, the rules shall be posted in a central location in each school and made available to students, upon request.

Individual Board members who are interested in visiting schools, classrooms or other facilities on an unofficial basis shall make the appropriate arrangements with the principal or building administrator. Such Board member visits shall not be considered to be official unless designated as such by the Board.

The Board member shall be visiting as an interested individual in a similar capacity to any parent or citizen of the community. These visits should not be considered to be inspections nor as supervisory in nature.

If, during a visit to a school or program, a Board member observes a situation or condition which causes concern, s/he should discuss the situation with the principal and/or with the Superintendent as soon as convenient or appropriate.

WV Code 18-5-13

Revised 5/10/12