Public Notices

Novi Community School District Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) Notification

Each school building within the district has been inspected for the presense of asbestos-containing materials as required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA).  A copy of the Building Inspection and Management Plan for each building is available int he buiding's main office.  The plans may be inspected by the members of the public and by district employees during normal business hours.  A copy of the plan will be made available upon request for a nominal fee.

Re-Inspection - The AHERA regulation requires a three-year re-inspection of the condition of asbestos containing materials in all school buildings. This monitoring is being conducted by Arch Environmental.  Any questions can be sent to Mike Dragoo, Director of Maintenance & Operations. 

Student Bullying 

The Board recognizes that bullying and cyberbullying significantly interfere with the learning process.  Through this Policy, the Board prohibits bullying "at school," as defined below, as well as off-campus conduct that is likely lead to a material or substantial disruption of the school learning environment for one or more students.

This Policy is intended to protect all students from bullying, including cyberbullying, regardless of the subject matter or motivation for the behavior.  The Board, through this Policy, also prohibits retaliation or false accusations against a target of bullying, as well as a witness or another person with reliable information about an act of bullying.  The identity of an individual who reports an act of bullying shall remain confidential.

In order that this Policy be properly implemented, the Board directs that:

Implementation

Responsible School Official.  The Principal of each school building is primarily responsible for implementing this Policy for the school to which he or she is assigned.

Publication.  The Superintendent shall revise the District's Student Code of Conduct, consistent with this Policy, to specifically prohibit bullying and cyberbullying, as defined below.  The Superintendent is directed to post this Policy on the District's website.

Reporting.  The Superintendent shall report to the Board of Education, on an annual basis, all verified incidents of bullying, and the resulting consequences that were imposed.

Administrative Regulations.  The Superintendent shall promulgate such administrative regulations as he/she may deem necessary for the implementation of this Policy.  The regulations shall include all of the following:

• A procedure for an individual to report an act of bullying;
• A procedure for the prompt investigation of a report of an act of bullying by the building principal or his/her designee;
• A procedure for providing notification to the parent or guardian of both the claimed victim of an act of bullying and the parent or guardian of the alleged perpetrator;
• A procedure to protect the confidentiality of a person making a report of bullying;
• A procedure for documenting any prohibited bullying incident that is reported; and
• A procedure for the Superintendent to report to the Board of Education, on an annual basis, all verified incidents of bullying, and the resulting consequences that were imposed.

Definitions.  The following definitions shall apply for purposes of this Policy:

"Bullying" means any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, including, but not limited to, cyberbullying, that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more District students, either directly or indirectly, by doing any of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits or programs;
2. Adversely affecting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from educational programs or activities by placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;
3. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; or,
4. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

"At school" means in a classroom, anywhere else on school premises, on a school bus or other school-related vehicle and at a school-sponsored activity or event, whether or not the activity or event is held on school premises.  "At school" includes the off-premises use of a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider if the device or service provider is owned by or under the control of the District.

"Cyberbullying" means any electronic communication that is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more pupils either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following:

1. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits or programs;
2. Adversely affecting a student's ability to participate in or benefit from educational programs or activities by placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;
3. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student's physical or mental health; or
4. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

Accountability.  Each student in the School District is accountable for his/her own behavior, based on age-appropriate expectations.  Respect for all students is part of a safe and healthy learning environment.  Each student is expected to demonstrate respect through their interactions with the give-and-take of friendships, group cooperation, social interaction, compromise and acceptance of differences among other students and staff.

Retaliation.  Retaliation against a target of bullying, a witness, another person with reliable information about an act of bullying or any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated.  Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy independent of whether a complaint is found to have been substantiated.  Suspected reprisal or retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action.

The Superintendent is directed to implement this Policy and is authorized and directed to promulgate such administrative regulations as may be deemed necessary.

If, however, you would prefer not to have your child featured, please contact your child's school and they will be happy to give you an Opt-Out form.  Please be aware that in filling out this form, your child will not be included in any photos, videos, articles, or student directories.

The District may disclose "Directory Information" from the educational records of a student. "Directory Information" is designated by the district as:

• student's name, address and telephone number;
• names of student's parents;
• student's date and place of birth;
• student's class designation (i.e. 1st grade, 10th grade, etc.);
• student's extra curricular participation;
• student's achievement awards or honors;
• student's weight and height if a member of an athletic team;
• student's photograph;
• previous educational institutions attended by the student;
• student's dates of attendance;
• name of school student currently attends;
• student's electronic mail address;
• student projects, artwork, web pages, and photographic or video images created by the district or students in conjunction with school sponsored activities may be used for information and/or instructional purposes including, but not limited to, video and audio playback, internet and print publication, and cable television transmission.

The district may disclose any of the above without prior written consent unless the building administrator is notified to the contrary in writing. Each building administrator maintains a list of student names wherein disclosure has been refused. These lists are reviewed and students will be excluded from Directory Information disclosures.

The Novi Board of Education developed specific district policies regarding student and staff behavior. Policies and procedures cover virtually all areas of behavior including smoking, drugs, dress, weapons, sexual harassment and use of the Internet. In addition, each building has a Student Code of Conduct that specifies the behavior expected of its students. The district's Parent/Student Handbook also provides a compilation of information that every parent and student should know.

Copies of this handbook and District Policies are available through the Office of the Superintendent, Educational Services Building, 25345 Taft Road; or by calling 248.449.1204. School building policies may be obtained by contacting the building principal.

The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the entire school community.  In accordance with the federal and state law, the Board establishes a "Drug-Free School Zone" that extends 1000 feet from the boundary of any school property.  The Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, delivery, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia, including alcohol and marijuana, at any time on School District property, within the Drug-Free Zone or at any School District-related event.  Further, the Superintendent, or his/her designee, will take the necessary steps to ensure that an individual eighteen (19) years of age or older who knowingly delivers or distributes controlled substances so designated and prohibited by Michigan statue within the Drug-Free School Zone to another person is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The federal law known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age and older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records.  These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 30 days of the day the District receives a request for access.
   
   Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their education records should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
    
2. The right to request an amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA..
   
   Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Novi Community School District to amend a record should submit a written request to the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed and specify why it should be changed.  If the district decides not to amend the record as requested, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
   Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student at the time they are notified of the right to a hearing.
    
3. The right to provide written consent before the district discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with a legitimate educational interests. A designated school official with a legitimate educational interest inlcudes a person employed by the district as an administrator, teacher, or other person designate by the Board of Education.  A school official also includes a liaison officer who, while not employed by the district, may be granted access to student educational records (including video footage) at the direction and supervision of a school administrator.  A school official also may include a contractor or consultant who, while no employed by the district, performs an institutional service of function (such as design and maintenance of the district's security camera system) for which the district would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the district with respect to the use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from student education records.
    
4. The right to refuse to allow the disclosure of "directory information". 
   
   "Directory information" regarding a student may be released to any requesting person or party, in addition to the eligible student or his/her parent, without written consent.  The Board of Education has defined "directory information" to include a student's :
    
   1. Name,
   2. Address and telephone number,
   3. Photograph,
   4. Birth date and place of birth,
   5. Participation in District related programs and extracurricular activities,
   6. Academic awards and honors,
   7. Height and weight, if a member of an athletic team,
   8. Honors and awards, and
   9. Dates of attendance and date of graduation.
      
      In the event inconsistency exists between the Board of Education policy defining "directory information" and this annual notification, the policy prevails.
      
      Each year, the Superintendent, or his/her designee, will provide public notice to students and parents of the district's intent to make directory information available to students and parents.  Common uses for students' directory information, which include, but are not limited to: PTO and Athletic Booster directories.
      
      Eligible students and parents may refuse to allow the district to disclose any or all of such directory information upon written notification to the district within thirty (30) days after receipt of the district's public notice.  Parents may submit written notification to the building principal of their child's school and/or fill out the district opt-out form.
       
5. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
   
   Family Policy and Compliance Office
   U.S. Department of Education
   400 Maryland Avenue, SW
   Washington, DC 20202-4605
    
6. United States Armed Forces - The district is required to provide United States Armed Forces recruiters with at least the same access to student directory information as is provided to other entities offering educational or employment opportunities to those students as is permitted and/or required by law.  "Armed forces of the United State" means the armed forces of the United States and their reserve components and the United States Coast Guard.  An eligible student or the parent may submit a signed, written direction to the district that the student's directory information not be accessible to United States Armed Forces recruiters.  In such case, the information will not be disclosed.
    
7. Other Agencies or Institutions - As permitted by FERPA, the district may forward education records, including disciplinary records, without student or parental consent, to other agencies or institution in which the student seeks or intends to enroll or is already enrolled so long as the disclosure is for purposes related to the student's enrollment to transfer and upon receipt of a request for a student's school or education records.
    
8. Compliance - The district will comply with a legitimate request for access to education records within a reasonable period of time, but not more than thirty (30) days after receiving the request or within a shorter period as may be applicable by law to students with disabilities.  The requesting party may be charged a processing fee for the information.

As a public body under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the District has developed procedures and guidelines.  These written procedures and guidelines explain how to submit written request to the District and how to understand the District's responses, fee calculations and submission, and avenues for challenge and appeal:  FOIA Procedures and Guidelines Manual

The Executive Assistant to the Superintendent is designated by the Superintendent to serve as the District FOIA Coordinator.  In this capacity he/she is authorized to facilitate the processing of the FOIA requests.  The Superintendent retains authority to grant FOIA requests and to approve denials.

The School District, In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, will ensure that homeless children and youth in transition have access to a free and appropriate public education, including preschool, and given a full opportunity to participate in state and District-wide assessments and accountability systems.  A student may be considered eligible for services if he/she is presently living:

• In temporary shared housing, a shelter, or transitional living program;
• In a hotel/motel, campground, or similar situation due to lack of alternative;
• At a bus station, park, car, or abandoned buildings; or
• In a temporary or transitional foster care placement.

The Board of Education has designate the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources as the School District's Coordinator under the Homeless Assistance Act.  For questions or assistance, please contact:

Zachary Martinez
NCSD McKinney-Vento Liaison
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI 48374
248.449.1200
zachary.martinez@novik12.org

For more information visit the district and community resources page.

Policy 4002 - Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities

The District appoints the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and the Assistant Superintendent of the Teaching and Learning Department as the District's Compliance Officers/Title IX Coordinators whose responsibility it will be to ensure that Federal and State regulations are complied with and that any inquiries and complaints are dealt with promptly in accordance with law. S/He shall also ensure that proper notice of nondiscrimination for Title II, Title VI, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is provided to students, their parents, staff members and the general public.

District Compliance Officers

The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the District’s "Compliance Officers" (also known as "Civil Rights Coordinator") (hereinafter referred to as the "COs").

Dr. Laura Carino
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI 48374
248.449.1203
laura.carino@novik12.org

or

Mr. Michael Giromini
Assistant Superintendent of the Teaching and Learning Departments
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI 48374
248.449.1208
michael.giromini@novik12.org

The names, titles, and contact information of these individuals will be published annually in the staff handbooks and on the School District’s website.

The COs are responsible for coordinating the District's efforts to comply with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including the District's duty to address in a prompt and equitable manner any inquiries or complaints regarding discrimination, retaliation or denial of equal access.  The COs shall also verify that proper notice of nondiscrimination for Title II, of the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended), Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (as amended), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975 is provided to staff members, and the general public.  Any sections of the District's collective bargaining agreements dealing with hiring, promotion, and tenure need to contain a statement of nondiscrimination similar to that in the Board's statement above.  In addition, any gender‑specific terms should be eliminated from such contracts.  A copy of each of the Acts and regulations on which this notice is based may be found in the CO’s office.

Reports and Complaints of Unlawful Discrimination and Retaliation

Employees are encouraged to promptly report incidents of unlawful discrimination and/or retaliation to an administrator, supervisor, or other District-level official so that the Board may address the conduct.  Any administrator, supervisor, or other District-level employee or official who receives such a complaint shall file it with the CO within two (2) school days.

Employees who believe they have been unlawfully discriminated/retaliated against are entitled to utilize the complaint process set forth below.  Initiating a complaint, whether formally or informally, will not adversely affect the complaining individual's employment.  While there are no time limits for initiating complaints under this policy, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint as soon as possible after the conduct occurs while the facts are known and potential witnesses are available.

The COs will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to unlawful discrimination/retaliation.  COs shall accept complaints of unlawful discrimination/retaliation directly from any member of the School District community or a visitor to the District, or receive complaints that are initially filed with a school building administrator.  Upon receipt of a complaint, either directly or through a school building administrator, a CO will begin either an informal or formal process (depending on the request of the person alleging the discrimination/retaliation or the nature of the alleged discrimination/retaliation), or the CO will designate a specific individual to conduct such a process.  The 

CO will provide a copy of this policy to any person who files a complaint.  In the case of a formal complaint, the CO will prepare recommendations for the Superintendent or oversee the preparation of such recommendations by a designee.  All members of the School District community must report incidents of discrimination/retaliation that are reported to them to the CO within two (2) business days of learning of the incident/conduct.

Any Board employee who directly observes unlawful discrimination/retaliation is obligated, in accordance with this policy, to report such observations to one of the COs within two (2) business days. Additionally, any Board employee who observes an act of unlawful discrimination/retaliation is expected to intervene to stop the misconduct, unless circumstances make such an intervention dangerous, in which case the staff member should immediately notify other Board employees and/or local law enforcement officials, as necessary, to stop the misconduct.  Thereafter, the CO or designee must contact the employee within two (2) business days to advise him/her of the Board's intent to investigate the alleged wrongdoing.

Investigation and Complaint Procedure

Any employee who believes that s/he has been subjected to unlawful discrimination or retaliation may seek resolution of his/her complaint through the procedures described below.  The formal complaint procedures involve an investigation of the individual’s claims and a process for rendering a decision regarding whether the charges are substantiated.

Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of unlawful discrimination or retaliation, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) calendar days after the conduct occurs.  Once the formal complaint process is begun, the investigation will be completed in a timely manner (ordinarily, within fifteen (15) business days of the complaint being received).

The procedures set forth below are not intended to interfere with the rights of any individual to pursue a complaint of unlawful discrimination or retaliation with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”).

Informal Complaint Procedure

The goal of the informal complaint procedure is to quickly stop inappropriate behavior and facilitate resolution through an informal means, if possible.  The informal complaint procedure is provided as a less formal option for an employee who believes s/he has been unlawfully discriminated or retaliated against.  This informal procedure is not required as a precursor to the filing of a formal complaint.  The informal process is only available in those circumstances where the parties (the alleged target of the discrimination/retaliation and individual(s) alleged to have engaged in the discrimination) agree to participate in it.

Employees who believe that they have been unlawfully discriminated/retaliated against may proceed immediately to the formal complaint process and individuals who seek resolution through the informal procedure may request that the informal process be terminated at any time to move to the formal complaint process.

All complaints involving a District employee or any other adult member of the School

District community against a student will be formally investigated.

As an initial course of action, if an individual feels that s/he is being unlawfully discriminated/retaliated against and s/he is able and feels safe doing so, the individual should tell or otherwise inform the person who engaged in the allegedly discriminatory/retaliatory conduct that it is inappropriate and must stop.  The complaining individual should address the alleged misconduct as soon after it occurs as possible.  The 

COs are available to support and counsel individuals when taking this initial step or to intervene on behalf of the individual if requested to do so.  An individual who is uncomfortable or unwilling to inform the person who allegedly engaged in the unlawful misconduct of his/her concerns is not prohibited from otherwise filing an informal or a formal complaint.  In addition, with regard to certain types of unlawful discrimination, such as sexual discrimination, the CO may advise against the use of the informal complaint process.

An individual who believes s/he has been unlawfully discriminated/retaliated against may make an informal complaint, either orally or in writing: (1) to a building administrator; (2) directly to one of the COs; and/or (3) to the Superintendent or other District-level employee.

All informal complaints must be reported to one of the COs who will either facilitate an informal resolution as described below, or appoint another individual to facilitate an informal resolution.

The School District's informal complaint procedure is designed to provide employees who believe they are being unlawfully discriminated/retaliated against with a range of options aimed at bringing about a prompt resolution of their concerns.  Depending upon the nature of the complaint and the wishes of the individual claiming unlawful discrimination/retaliation, informal resolution may involve, but not be limited to, one or more of the following:

While there are no set time limits within which an informal complaint must be resolved, the CO or designee will exercise his/her authority to attempt to resolve all informal complaints within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the informal complaint.  Parties who are dissatisfied with the results of the informal complaint process may proceed to file a formal complaint.  And, as stated above, parties may request that the informal process be terminated at any time to move to the formal complaint process.

All materials generated as part of the informal complaint process will be retained by the COs in accordance with the Board's records retention policy. 

Formal Complaint Procedure

If a complaint is not resolved through the informal complaint process, if one of the parties requested that the informal complaint process be terminated to move to the formal complaint process, or if the individual elects to file a formal complaint initially, the formal complaint process shall be implemented.

An individual who believes s/he has been subjected to unlawful discrimination/retaliation (hereinafter referred to as the "Complainant"), may file a formal complaint, either orally or in writing, with a Principal, the CO, Superintendent, or other District-level employee.  Due to the sensitivity surrounding complaints of unlawful discrimination and retaliation, timelines are flexible for initiating the complaint process; however, 

individuals should make every effort to file a complaint within thirty (30) calendar days after the conduct occurs.  If a Complainant informs a Principal, Superintendent, or other District-level employee, either orally or in writing, about any complaint of discrimination or retaliation, that employee must report such information to the CO within two (2) business days.

Throughout the course of the process, the CO should keep the parties informed of the status of the investigation and the decision-making process.

All formal complaints must include the following information to the extent it is available: the identity of the individual believed to have engaged in, or be engaging in; the discriminatory/retaliatory conduct; a detailed description of the facts upon which the complaint is based; a list of potential witnesses; and the resolution sought by the Complainant.

If the Complainant is unwilling or unable to provide a written statement including the information set forth above, the CO shall ask for such details in an oral interview.  Thereafter, the CO will prepare a written summary of the oral interview, and the Complainant will be asked to verify the accuracy of the reported charge by signing the document.

Upon receiving a formal complaint, the CO will consider whether any action should be taken in the investigatory phase to protect the Complainant from further discrimination or retaliation, including, but not limited to, a change of work assignment or schedule for the Complainant and/or the person who allegedly engaged in the misconduct.  In making such a determination, the CO should consult the Complainant to assess his/her agreement to the proposed action.  If the Complainant is unwilling to consent to the proposed change, the CO may still take whatever actions s/he deem appropriate in consultation with the Superintendent.

Within two (2) business days of receiving the complaint, the CO or designee will initiate a formal investigation to determine whether the Complainant has been subjected to unlawful discrimination/retaliation.

Simultaneously, the CO will inform the individual alleged to have engaged in the discriminatory or retaliatory conduct (hereinafter referred to as the "Respondent"), that a complaint has been received.  The Respondent will be informed about the nature of the allegations and provided with a copy of any relevant policies and/or administrative guidelines, including Policy 3122 ‑ Non‑Discrimination.  The Respondent must also be informed of the opportunity to submit a written response to the complaint within five (5) business days.

Although certain cases may require additional time, the CO or a designee will attempt to complete an investigation into the allegations of discrimination/retaliation within fifteen (15) business days of receiving the formal complaint.  The investigation will include:

At the conclusion of the investigation, the CO or the designee shall prepare and deliver a written report to the Superintendent that summarizes the evidence gathered during the investigation and provide recommendations based on the evidence and the definition of unlawful discrimination/retaliation as provided in Board policy and State and Federal law as to whether the Complainant has been subjected to unlawful discrimination/retaliation.  The CO's recommendations must be based upon the totality of the circumstances.  In determining if discrimination or retaliation occurred, a preponderance of evidence standard will be used.  The CO may consult with the Board’s legal counsel before finalizing the report to the Superintendent.

Absent extenuating circumstances, within five (5) business days of receiving the report of the CO or the designee, the Superintendent must either issue a final decision regarding whether the charges have been substantiated or request further investigation.  A copy of the Superintendent's final decision will be delivered to both the Complainant and the Respondent.

If the Superintendent requests additional investigation, the Superintendent must specify the additional information that is to be gathered, and such additional investigation must be completed within five (5) business days.  At the conclusion of the additional investigation, the Superintendent must issue a final written decision as described above.

If the Superintendent determines the Complainant was subjected to unlawful discrimination/retaliation, s/he must identify what corrective action will be taken to stop, remedy, and prevent the recurrence of the discrimination/retaliation.  The corrective action should be reasonable, timely, age-appropriate and effective, and tailored to the specific situation.

 The decision of the Superintendent shall be final.

The right of a person to a prompt and equitable resolution of the complaint shall not be impaired by the person’s pursuit of other remedies such as the filing of a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights or the filing of a court case.  Use of this internal complaint procedure is not a prerequisite to the pursuit of other remedies.

Privacy/Confidentiality

The School District will employ all reasonable efforts to protect the rights of the Complainant, the Respondent(s), and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations.  All records generated under the terms of this policy shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.  Confidentiality, however, cannot be guaranteed.  All Complainants proceeding through the formal investigation process will be advised that their identities may be disclosed to the Respondent(s).

During the course of a formal investigation, the CO or designee will instruct each person who is interviewed about the importance of maintaining confidentiality.  Any individual who is interviewed as part of an investigation is expected not to disclose to third parties any information that s/he learns and/or provides during the course of the investigation.

All public records created as a part of an investigation of a complaint of discrimination/retaliation will be maintained by the CO in accordance with the Board's records retention policy.

Sanctions and Monitoring

The Board shall vigorously enforce its prohibitions against unlawful discrimination by taking appropriate action reasonably calculated to stop and prevent further misconduct.  While observing the principles of due process, a violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including the discharge of 

an employee.  All disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable State law and the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement(s).  When imposing discipline, the Superintendent shall consider the totality of the circumstances involved in the matter.  In those cases where unlawful discrimination/retaliation is not substantiated, the Board may consider whether the alleged conduct nevertheless warrants discipline in accordance with other Board policies, consistent with the terms of the relevant collective bargaining agreement(s).

Where the Board becomes aware that a prior remedial action has been taken against an employee, all subsequent sanctions imposed by the Board and/or Superintendent shall be reasonably calculated to end such conduct, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effect.

Retaliation

Retaliation against a person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging unlawful discrimination/retaliation, or participates as a witness in an investigation is prohibited.  Specifically, the Board will not retaliate against, coerce, intimidate, threaten or interfere with any individual because the person opposed any act or practice made unlawful by any Federal or State civil rights law, or because that individual made a charge, testified, assisted or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under those laws, or because that individual exercised, enjoyed, aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise or enjoyment of any right granted or protected by those laws.

Education and Training

In support of this policy, the Board promotes preventative educational measures to create greater awareness of unlawful discriminatory practices.  The Superintendent or designee shall provide appropriate information to all members of the School District community related to the implementation of this policy and shall provide training for District students and staff where appropriate.  All training, as well as all information provided regarding the Board's policy and discrimination in general, will be age and content appropriate.

M.C.L. 37.2101 et seq., 37.1101 et seq.
Fourteenth Amendment, U.S. Constitution
20 U.S.C. Section 1681, Title IX of Education Amendment Act
20 U.S.C. Section 1701 et seq., Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974
20 U.S.C. Section 7905, Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act
42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq., Age Discrimination Act of 1975
42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended
34 C.F.R. Part 110 (7/27/93)
42 U.S.C. 2000ff et seq., The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act
42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq., Civil Rights Act of 1964
29 U.S.C. 701 et seq., Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended
29 C.F.R. Part 1635

The Novi Community School District utilizes an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to control pests. IPM is a pest management system that utilizes all suitable techniques in a total pest management system to provide students and staff with an environment that is free of pests, pesticides, and harmful chemicals to the extent required by law. The IPM Program includes routine inspections or surveys of all school facilities and various strategies to prevent pests from becoming a problem.  Pest management techniques emphasize sanitation, pest exclusion, and biological controls. One of the objectives of using an IPM approach is to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical applications of pesticides. 

Notification is not given for the use of sanitizers, germicides, disinfectants or anti-microbial cleaners. In certain emergencies, such as an infestation of stinging insects, pesticides may be applied without prior notice to prevent injury to students, but you will be notified following any such application.

Advance notification of pesticide applications, other than a bait or gel formulation, will be given by at least 2 methods. The first method will be by posting at the main entrance to the school / day-care center. The second method will be by posting information on the Novi Community School District web site. Parents or guardians of children attending the school may review the school’s Integrated Pest Management program and records of any pesticide application upon request, please complete the request form and mail it to:

 Maintenance & Operations Department
 Attn.: Pesticide Notification
 45495 Eleven Mile Road
 Novi, MI 48374

The Novi Community School District offers evaluations, programs, and services to individuals who are identified as having, or who are suspected of having, a disability as defined in either the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These services are available to eligible persons ages 0-26 who reside within, or attend a K-12 school program within, the Novi Community School District attendance boundaries. Referrals are accepted from parents, staff members, community agencies, and other interested parties. For more information about available services, parent/ student rights or referral procedures, contact the Novi Community School District Office of Student Services:

IEP/IDEA:
Shailee Patel
Director of Special Education
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI, 48374
248-449-1207
shailee.patel@novik12.org

MTSS/504:
Benjamin Mainka
Superintendent
25345 Taft Road
Novi, MI, 48374
248.449.1204
benjamin.mainka@novik12.org

All children who enter schools in Michigan are required by state law to be fully vaccinated in accordance with Part 92, Act 368 of the Public Acts of 1978. New enrollees must provide proof of immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, pertussis, poliomyelitis, rubella, varicella, mumps and Hepatitis B or present a statement signed by the parent/guardian that there are religious or other objections to the immunization. New enrollees, including kindergartners, cannot attend without the required immunizations or waiver. The Oakland County Health Department advises that all children obtain these immunization boosters. For more information contact the office of the building in which your child is to be enrolled.

The Board acknowledges the need for a reasonable degree of in-school storage of student possessions and will provide storage places, including desks and lockers, for that purpose.  Where lockers are provided, students may lock them against incursion by other students, but lockers remain School District property.  Students do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to School District personnel or their designees in lockers or other in-school storage places provided by the School District.

The Board also authorizes the use of canines, trained in detecting the presence of drugs or devices.  Canines are used to determine the presences of drugs in locker areas and other places where such substances may be concealed.  Canine detection is usually conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities or other certified organizations and is not used to search individual students without legally sufficient suspicion, a warrant or parental permission has been obtained.

School authorities are authorized to take reasonable steps to safeguard the safety and well-being of the students by, among other things, implementing the School District's Student Code of Conduct.  Within the discharge of their responsibilities, School District personnel may search students, student property, and school property in the manner permitted by law.

Drill Requirement

Public Act 12 of 2014 that went into effect on July 1, 2014 revises the number and scheduling of required school safety drills.  Ten drills will be required each year:

• Five fire drills per school year. Three of which must take place by December 1. (There must be a reasonable interval between each drill.) The other two during the remainder of the school year.
• Two tornado safety drills per school year. One of which must take place in March.
• Three lockdown drills per school year, including security measures appropriate to an emergency "such as the release of hazardous material or the presence of a potentially dangerous individual on or near the premises." At least one of the drills must take place by December 1 and at least one after January 1. (There must be a reasonable interval between each drill.)
• At least one of the above-listed drills must be scheduled during lunch, recess, or at another time when a significant number of students are present, but not in classrooms.

For a list of scheduled and completed drills, visit the desired school's school safety drills web page. 

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires the district to submit an annual storm water management plan update to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The required annual report was submitted and reviewed and found to be in compliance with the COC No. MIS040076 of the MS4 Jurisdictional General Permit No. MIS040000. Copies of the Novi Community School District Storm Water Management Program Plan may be obtained by sending a written request to the Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations, 25345 Taft Road, Novi, MI 48374.

Learn more about Stormwater Management 

Novi Community School District is committed to the environment and strives to be a good steward of the land within its jurisdiction by using appropriate Best Management Practices to contribute to the improvement of water quality within the Huron River and Rouge River Watersheds where the district is located.

Novi Community School District encourages all students, faculty, staff, parents, and visitors to get involved through opportunities provided by the local watershed groups including the Huron River Watershed Council, Friends of the Rouge, and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG).

Why worry about stormwater?

Many people may not realize that stormwater collected in drains located on the street curbs does not flow to their local water treatment plant. Rather, this water remains untreated and is discharged directly into the waterways. During this journey to the waterways, stormwater collects and carries a broad range of pollutants. Stormwater is a nonpoint source of pollution thus making it extremely difficult to address and the single greatest threat to our water quality and watershed health.  Nonpoint source pollution comes from many diffuse runoff sources such as rainfall and snowmelt, flowing over and through the ground, picking up pollutants as it goes. Some of these pollutants occur naturally, such as nutrients from sediments, manure, or pet wastes. Other pollutants such as fertilizers, automotive grease, and oil occur from our interaction with the environment. Stormwater acts as a carrier of nonpoint source pollution and is therefore considered a major cause of water quality problems both in Michigan and nationwide.

Public Notice of Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)

To this end, the school district has developed and implemented a “Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP)” to reduce the discharge of pollutants from their MS4 to the Maximum Extent Practicable and protect water quality in accordance with the appropriate water quality requirements of Michigan Act 451, Public Acts of 1994, Part 31, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the district National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit (NPDES).

A copy of the Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) is available for review on the district’s website.  Any questions or comments regarding the Stormwater Management Plan should be directed to the Maintenance and Operations Department at (248) 449-1240.