Safety, Operations and Maintenance of School Property
A. Facilities Maintenance
The superintendent or designee will provide for a program to maintain the district physical plant and grounds by way of a continuous program of repair, maintenance and reconditioning. Budget recommendations will be made each year to meet these needs and any such needs arising from an emergency.
B. Infrastructure Management
The Meridian School District Board of Directors also desires to maintain the infrastructure of district facilities.
In order to assure state funding, for facilities constructed new or new in lieu after 1994, the board will adopt an asset preservation program (APP). The APP will preserve the district facilities by employing a system of predictive, preventative, and proactive processes. Annually, the superintendent or designee will report to the board on the condition of the facilities and the effectiveness of the APP. Every sixth year an independent assessment will be conducted and reported to the board and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Additionally, the superintendent or designee will develop a process to evaluate all pre-1994 facilities for possible participation in the asset preservation program.
For initial participation in the APP, the board will submit a resolution to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction committing the district to implement the program.
The superintendent or designee will develop procedures for the asset preservation program.
C. Playground Equipment
The board recognizes that playground equipment is an essential part of a complete school facility. All playground equipment, whether purchased by the district or donated by a community or school-related group, should be assessed in terms of suitability and durability and for possible health or safety hazards. Consideration will also be given to potential hazards when the playground is unsupervised during non-school hours.
The superintendent or designee will develop specifications for playground equipment and related play surfaces. These specifications shall serve as criteria for the selection of playground equipment. Selection and installation of playground equipment will be based upon safety and contribution to child development.
D. Chemical and Laboratory Safety
The board recognizes the potential health and safety hazards that exist as a result of chemical storage and handling. Instruction will be emphasized in the safe and proper use of chemicals and substances and proper laboratory techniques. All students and staff are to wear safety glasses or goggles whenever they are working under potentially hazardous conditions. Laboratories should be ventilated sufficiently enough to provide a healthful, nonhazardous environment.
The superintendent or designee is directed to establish safety guidelines and procedures which will minimize the hazards inherent in the science classes and laboratories in the schools.
E. Destruction of School Property
Staff will ensure that buildings, grounds, equipment and furniture are not abused. Students or non-students who abuse school property may be disciplined and required to pay for the damage incurred.
The superintendent or designee will establish procedures for the investigation and reporting of damage or loss and will initiate action to collect for damages. A student’s diploma may be withheld until restitution is made.
Cross References:
6605 – Student Safety Walking, Biking and Riding Buses
6511 – Staff Safety
3520 – Student Fees, Fines, or Charges
2151 – Interscholastic Activities
Legal References:
RCW 28A.335.300 Playground matting
RCW 28A.635.060 Defacing or injuring school property — Liability of pupil, parent, or guardian — Withholding grades, diploma, or transcripts — Suspension and restitution — Voluntary work program as alternative — Rights protected
WAC 392-347-023 State funding assistance in post 1993 facilities
Management Resources:
2011 – October Issue
2009 – June Issue
Adoption Date: 01.08.14
Classification: Discretionary
Revised Dates: 11.21