Archive: November 2006

Safety
By Steve Kaplan, UniServe Field Organizer

There are a number of provisions in Article 11 that are reviewed below.

Section 11.8 Site Administrator Absence - This section requires the designation of "an on-site certificated person as 'head teacher' to serve in the absence of an administrator." This section is specific to elementary schools. Typically the absence of an administrator occurs at smaller elementary schools that have only one administrative person, the principal. When the administrator will be away from the site for "four instructional hours or more during the school day, substitute time for the 'head teacher' may be requested by the principal based upon the school's unique needs. The District will, to the extent budgeted funds are available, provide a visiting teacher for the 'head teacher'".

Section 11.9 District Emergency Procedures - During the first month of school principals and supervisors will annually inform unit members of:

• Location of district Emergency Procedures relating to assault and/or battery, insults, upbraidings, threats, child abuse, molestation, natural disasters and suicide threats.
  
• Discuss with unit members any changes in these procedures, as well as on-site work rules.

Section 11.11 Pupil Transportation - This section states, "No classroom teacher may be required to transport students in a privately-owned vehicle." Other important information from this section includes:

• Transport of a student in a private vehicle "must be approved by the principal."
  
• "The District's general liability insurance shall cover the employee while acting within the scope of his/her employment including transportation of students." Sections 11.11.1 and 11.11.2 list "the limit of the District's liability.