PROTECTION OF TEACHERS A. The Board recognizes its responsibility to continue to give administrative backing and support to its teachers, although each teacher bears the primary responsibility for maintaining proper control and discipline in his/her classroom. The teachers recognize that all disciplinary actions and methods invoked by them shall be reasonable and just. The Board further recognizes that teachers cannot maintain the proper classroom atmosphere when, and if, they are charged with the responsibility of serving as custodians for persistently and/or excessively disruptive students. It shall be the responsibility of the teacher to report immediately to his principal the name of any student who, in the opinion of the teacher, needs particular assistance from skilled personnel. The teacher shall, upon request, be advised by the principal of the disposition of the teacher's report that a particular student needs such assistance.
B. If criminal or civil proceedings are brought against a teacher arising out of disciplinary action taken by a teacher against a student, the Board, upon request, will provide initial legal counsel to advise the teacher of his/her rights. The Association, after review of the facts of the case, may request the Board to furnish legal counsel to defend the teacher in such proceedings. If the request is denied, a three member committee consisting of a member of the LEA, a member of the Administration, and a member of the Board will review for a final decision on providing counsel.
C. Time lost by a teacher in connection with any incident involving assault by a student shall not be charged against the teacher.
D. The Board will reimburse employees for any loss, damage or destruction of clothing or glasses of the employee while fulfilling professional duties and assignments. Vehicle reimbursement will be provided subject to these conditions: 1) the vehicle must have been parked in a designated teacher parking area; 2) the damage must have occurred during regular school hours; 3) a police report must be filed; 4) the damage must be judged by the police to have been vandalism rather than the result of an accident; 5) if the guilty parties are tentatively identified the teacher must assist in the prosecution or discipline of the parties; 6) the maximum reimbursement shall be one hundred dollars ($100). The Board and Association agree that there shall be no duplication of benefits and such reimbursement will be determined after the employees personal insurance coverage benefits, if any, are deducted from the amount of the claim. This will not include theft. The Board reserves the right to fully investigate with the cooperation of the teacher, the circumstances surrounding such a claim for the purpose of determining whether students or other individuals may be held liable for any such damage.
E. Except in life threatening or emergency situations no teacher shall be expected to perform medical or hygiene procedures for students such as, but not limited to, suctioning, catherization, toileting, diapering, or attending to any personal hygiene or medical needs of students. The Board will endeavor to provide ongoing medical and hygiene procedures for students utilizing staff other than classroom teachers. If extenuating circumstances arise in specific situations, the administration may meet with the teacher and an LEA representative to discuss problems and how they will be solved. Any solutions must be mutually agreeable before enacted. The section is not intended to limit or alter the responsibility of teachers specialized areas such as physical education and athletics.
A. Definitions
