Annual Notices
To be in compliance with federal and state law, the school district is required to provide notice annually regarding the following:
Accessibility of District Facilities
Upon request to the Superintendent/designee, the district shall make reasonable accommodation for a disabled person to be able to participate in activities.
Anti-Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying Policy
Per Ohio Law, House Bill 276 requires all school districts to develop and adopt an Anti-Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying policy. In addition to the adoption and implementation of this policy, district administrators are required to providing semi-annual summary reports of verified acts of harassment, intimidation and bullying. All incidents should be immediately reported to the Superintendent or Building Administrator. Please view semi-annual reports at the following link: http://www.marlingtonlocal.org/BullyingNotices.aspx. The Anti-Harassment Compliance Officers are: Renee Kaley, Curriculum Director, who may be reached at: 10320 Moulin Avenue, Alliance, Ohio 44601, Telephone: 330-821-4024 and Nick Evanich, Special Services Director, who may be reached at 10320 Moulin Avenue, Alliance, Ohio 44601 Telephone: 330-823-7458. They may be reached by email respectively [email protected] or [email protected].
Application of Pesticides
Board Policy 8431 has established that written notification shall be provided each year, prior to any pesticide application when school is in session, to those parents, adult students and employees requesting prior notification of scheduled pesticide applications.
Asbestos Management Plan (AHERA)
- The EPA has indicated that schools should be free of friable asbestos.
- Air samples are required every three years.
- All potential areas of concern are to be inspected by the environmental support network, the Industrial Commission of Ohio, our maintenance staff, and an independent testing laboratory.
- Asbestos testing and inspection has been done to bring all buildings into compliance with AHERA standards.
- Any friable materials in buildings have been inspected and repaired to meet current standards.
- Inspections will be done twice each year by the maintenance/custodial staff to notify the administration of any friable material.
- Any areas of concern will be reviewed by the Board of Education during its annual building tour and placed on a priority list for permanent improvement.
- All buildings are certified safe by AHERA standards.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s document titled, “How to Manage Asbestos in School Buildings” may be accessed at: https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/how-manage-asbestos-school-buildings-ahera-designated-persons-self-study-guide-0. Further information may be obtained by viewing the following school board policy:• 8431 Preparedness for Toxic Hazard and Asbestos Hazard
Board of Education
The Board of Education is a policy-making body comprised of five residents of the school district. Members of the Board are elected by voters of the district and serve a four-year term. The Board derives its powers and responsibilities from the Ohio General Assembly to establish a sound educational philosophy. The Board establishes policy:
- To be responsible to the residents of the Marlington Local School District
- To serve as a policy-making body
- To develop sound financial plans based upon educational needs and available resources
- To provide leadership for educational progress
- To be solely responsible for the employment and evaluation of the Superintendent and Treasurer
- To recognize the Superintendent’s responsibility for all administrative functions
- To refer applications, complaints, communication, and other matters directly to the Superintendent
- To approve an annual school calendar
- To levy taxes when residents approve a tax issue
The Board of Education meetings are open to the public. The regular meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and are held on the 2nd Thursday of every month in the high school DLZ (Distance Learning Zone) unless otherwise announced. The Board, under Ohio law, may hold executive sessions during the meeting to discuss:
- Personnel matters
- Purchase of property for public purposes
- Pending or imminent court action
- Negotiations with employees
- Matters to be kept confidential by federal or state statutes
- Specialized details of security arrangements
Executive sessions are for discussion only. All board action is taken in public session.
Public participation is encouraged during the hearing of the public to present helpful suggestions for the school district. To allow the Board to complete the agenda in an effective and efficient manner, public input may be limited. Each person wishing to address the Board shall complete a sign-up form at the regular board meeting and provide it to the Treasurer prior to the start of the meeting; out of courtesy, the speaker must limit himself to three (3) minutes. If additional time is needed, the individual must contact the Superintendent five (5) days prior to the board meeting to have his name and discussion topic placed on the agenda; this individual may then have up to ten minutes to speak.
Child Nutrition Programs
Marlington Local School District participates in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s document titled “Eligibility Guidance for School Meals Manual” contains notices, an application form, and a chart describing information regarding free and reduced eligibility status. This document may be accessed at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/cn/eligibility-manual-school-meals
Further information may be obtained by viewing the following school board policy:
Copyright Law
WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS: The copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later use, of a photocopy or reproduction for purpose in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.
Drug Free School
In accordance with Federal Law, the Board of Education prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of drugs by students on school grounds, in school or school-approved vehicles, or at any school- related event. Drugs include any alcoholic beverage, anabolic steroid, and dangerous controlled substance as defined by State statute, or substance that could be considered a “look-a-like” controlled substance. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students. Any student who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with due process and as specified in the student handbooks, up to and including expulsion from school. When required by State law, the District will also notify law enforcement officials. The District is concerned about any student who is a victim of alcohol or drug abuse and will facilitate the process by which s/he receives help through programs and services available in the community. Student and their parents should contact the school principal or counseling office whenever such help is needed.
- 3122.01 / 4122.01 Drug Free Workplace
- 3170 / 4170 Substance Abuse
Equal Opportunity Notice
Marlington Local School District does not discriminate in education, employment practices, services, programs, or activities because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age. Further information may be obtained by viewing the following school board policies:
Federal Grants Program
Federal grants provide valuable supplemental instructional support and staff development in the following areas:
- Title I – Elementary reading and math intervention
- Title II A & D – Technology intervention and support
- Title III – Limited English Proficiency (LEP) intervention
- Title IV – Elementary counseling services
- Title V – Gifted intervention
- IDEA-B – Special education support services
A Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Plan (CCIP) must be submitted annually to comply with the requirements and accountability standards of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Electronic Devices – SB29
In accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 3319.327, we are writing to inform you that the district, either directly or through a technology provider, generally monitors the school-issued devices that are provided to District students. This monitoring is generally done in furtherance of educational purposes, including for instruction, technical support, or exam-proctoring. However, the District may also generally monitor where:
- permitted under a judicial warrant;
- the school district or technology provider is notified or becomes aware that the school-issued device is missing or stolen;
- the activity is necessary to prevent or respond to a threat to life or safety, and the access is limited to that purpose;
- the activity is necessary to comply with federal or state law; and/or
- the activity is necessary to participate in federal or state funding programs. Monitoring may include the:
- location-tracking features of a school-issued device;
- audio or visual receiving, transmitting, or recording features of a school-issued device; or
- student interactions with a school-issued device, including, but not limited to, keystrokes and web-browsing activity.
In the event that one of the circumstances described above is triggered, the district will notify you within 72 hours of the access, unless the notice itself would pose a threat of life or safety (in which case it will be given within 72 hours after the threat has ceased).
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
HIPAA requires that Marlington provide notice of its privacy practices. Please review the following board policies:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services “Summary of the HIPAA Privacy Rule” may be accessed at: http://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/privacysummary.pdf
Highly Qualified Teachers
The Marlington School District is striving to provide the best education for your child. As part of our efforts, we are complying with the No Child Left Behind Act that requires all teachers to be highly qualified. As a parent or guardian, you may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers including the following information:
- Whether the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas taught.
- Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status.
- Baccalaureate degree major, graduation certification, and field of discipline.
- Whether the student is provided services by a paraprofessional and if so, their qualifications
This information is kept on file at each building and may be obtained by contacting the building principal.
You may download the U.S. Department of Education’s “Model Notification of Rights Under the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for Elementary and Secondary Schools” at the following web address: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/pdf/ferparights.pdf
HIPAA Compliance Notice
All individuals covered by the Marlington School District’s health plan: Please be advised that a copy of the HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices is available in the following board policies:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act/IDEA
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), school districts must give parents of a child with disabilities a copy of procedural safeguards once a year. However, a copy of procedural safeguards also must be given to parents upon initial referral or parental request for an evaluation, upon filing a request for a due process hearing and upon request of a parent (20 USC Section 1415 (d) (1)). School districts may post a copy of the procedural safeguards on its website (20 USC Section 1415 (d) (1)). See the Ohio Department of Education’s document on procedural safeguards at http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Special-Education/A- and click on “A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education.”
The Marlington Local School District provides educational services to disabled students from birth to age 21 utilizing federal assistance through IDEA funds to enhance the basic program. Disabilities including the areas of hearing, vision, learning, behavior, speech/language, health/physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, autism, or any combination of these, are considered handicapping conditions. An application is on file at the Special Services Department and is available for examination and recommendations by district residents. If you or someone you know, may be in need of special education and related services, please contact Mr. Nick Evanich, Special Services Director, at 330-821-4302.
Inspection of Instructional Materials
Further information regarding the rights to inspect instructional materials, textbooks, reading lists, and academic curriculum may be obtained by viewing the following school board policies or by contacting Renee Kaley, Curriculum Director at 330-821-4024:
Inter-District Open Enrollment
Marlington Local Schools will participate in inter-district open enrollment with other districts. Intra-district open enrollment for elementary students continues to remain an option for Marlington parents based on enrollment figures. The open enrollment period runs from April 15th to May 15th, annually, for the following school year. For more information, contact the Superintendent’s Office at 330-823-7458.
Insurance Notice
Marlington Local Schools does not carry personal property insurance on student property. Students should be encouraged to be responsible for items they take to school. Parents may want to check with their own insurance carrier before permitting students to bring expensive personal property items to school. The school assumes no responsibility for personal property items lost, damaged or stolen on the buses, at the schools, or at school events.
Marlington Local Schools does not carry student medical insurance for accidents or injuries sustained on the buses, at the schools, or at school events. Parents may purchase insurance of this type through a school insurance program offered by a private carrier. Information about this plan will be distributed to all students at the beginning of the school year.
Further information may be obtained by viewing the following school board policy:
McKenney-Vento Act
It is the policy of the Marlington Local School District to enroll, educate and not segregate or stigmatize children on the basis of their status as homeless. Mr. Nick Evanich, is the Marlington Local Homeless Liaison and may be reached at 330-821-4302. Any persons suspecting a child is homeless should notify Renee Kaley at 330-821-4024 to ensure that homeless children enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically.
Medical Notices
The following policies should be reviewed by individuals that may find them relevant to their situation:
Nondiscrimination Based on Genetic Information of the Employee
The Board of Education prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information in all aspects of employment, including hiring, firing, compensation, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits, or any other terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. The Board also does not limit, segregate, or classify employees in any way that would deprive or tend to deprive them of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of an employee as an employee, based on genetic information. Harassment of a person because of his/her genetic information is also prohibited. Likewise, retaliation against an applicant or employee for engaging in protected activity is prohibited. For further information, please see Board Policies 3122.02 and 4122.02.
Parents Bill of Rights – House Bill 8
Pursuant to House Bill 8, the district will notify parents in the following manner:
- Sexuality Instruction: The District will notify parents before any instruction containing sexuality content, provide access to review materials, and offer an opt-out option for their child.
- Health and Counseling Changes: The District will promptly notify parents—via email or phone—of any significant changes to their child’s mental, emotional, or physical health services or supports.
- Health Service Authorization: At the start of each school year, the District will notify parents of all available health services and obtain consent before providing any service, except in emergencies or under IEP/Section 504 requirements.
- Instructional Material Access: The District will notify parents of their right to inspect all instructional materials used in their child’s education and provide timely access upon request.
- Technology Contract Review: The District will notify parents and students of their right to review complete copies of technology provider contracts used by the school.
- Parental Concerns: The District will inform parents annually of the process to file written concerns and will notify them of outcomes and appeal options at each stage of review.
These requirements, along with a description of the process for filing written concerns is detailed in Board Policy 5780.01.
Religious Accommodations for Students
The Marlington Board of Education has adopted the following policies (click to view each) to accommodate students' sincerely held religious beliefs and practices with regard to all examinations or other academic requirements and absences for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system.
Among other assurances, these policies provide the following in accordance with O.R.C. 3320.04:
- Up to three religious expression days.
- Permission to participate in athletics on religious expression days.
- Alternative accommodations for examinations or other academic requirements conflicting with a religious expression day.
- Students shall not be prohibited from engaging in religious expression in the completion of assignments.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of religious holidays, festivals, and religious observations:
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Ash Wednesday, Eid al-Fitr, Pesach (Passover), Good Friday, Easter, Eid al-Adha. An updated list is published each year by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and is available on the Ohio DEW website: Religious Expression in Ohio Schools
If you have questions about any of these policies, please contact Bob Foss, Treasurer at (330) 821-4012 or [email protected].
Special Services
Americans with Disabilities – Section 504/Prohibition Against Discrimination Based on Disability:
Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Action of 1973 and its implementing regulations (“Section 504”), no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall, solely by reason of his/her disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The Board of Education does not discriminate in admission or access to, participation in, or treatment, or employment in, its programs or activities. As such, the Board’s policies and practices will not discriminate against employees and students with disabilities, will provide equal opportunity for employment, and will make accessible to qualified individuals with disabilities its facilities, programs and activities.
A copy of the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be obtained from the district’s Compliance Officers: Mrs. Renee Kaley at 330-821-4024 or from the Special Services Director, Mr. Nick Evanich at 330-821-4302.
Title I/IDEA-B Flow Through Notification
The Marlington Local School District receives notification of their entitlement of federal funds allocated in accordance with the Title I/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Public law 92-142. Utilization of the funds is designated to provide services and programs for disabled students. Persons who wish to comment on how to utilize these designated funds are welcome and encouraged to contact Mr. Nick Evanich, Special Services Director at 330-821-4302 or email at [email protected].
Child Find – A Search for all Children with Disabilities
Child Find is the process of identifying, locating, and evaluating children with disabilities who may be in need of special education and related services. Both state and local education agencies are given the responsibility by federal and state laws to conduct Child Find activities so that children who need special services have the opportunity to receive those services. Child Find’s purpose is:
- To promote public awareness of disabilities
- Assist school districts in finding children who may have disabilities and who otherwise may not have come to their attention
- Enable children and families to receive the special education and related services that are needed What does a disability mean?
- For age 3 – 5: an established condition known to result in delay, or a documented developmental delay.
- For ages 5 – 21: identification of one or more of the following conditions: autism, deaf- blindness, hearing impairment, other health impairment, emotional disturbance, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and/or visual impairment including blindness.
Parents, relatives, public and private agency employees, and concerned citizens are used to help school districts find children who may have a disability and need special education and related services. The school district will contact the parents of the child to find out if the child needs to be evaluated. Free testing is available to families to determine whether or not a special need exists. If a need is identified, the child can begin receiving the appropriate special education related services
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
The District implements PBIS on a system-wide basis. The Board directs the Superintendent/designee to develop a PBIS system that is consistent with the components set forth in the state Board of Education’s (SBOE) policy on positive behavior interventions and supports. The District encourages family involvement as an integral part of its PBIS system. A copy of the district’s policy may be viewed by clicking on board policy link at the beginning of these notices and searching for Policy 5630.01, or may be requested through the Administration Offices. Questions regarding the policy should be directed to Mr. Nick Evanich, 10320 Moulin Avenue NE. Alliance, Ohio 44601, telephone: 330-821-4302 or by email at [email protected].
Student Conduct / Discipline
Further information may be obtained by viewing the following school board policies:
- 5500 Student Conduct
- 5511 Dress and Grooming
- 5512 Use of Tobacco
- 5513 Care of School Property
- 5515 Use of Motor Vehicles
- 5516 Student Hazing
- 5517 Anti-Harassment
- 5517.01 Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior
- 5520 Disorder and Demonstration
- 5530 Drug Prevention
In accordance with Federal Law, the Board of Education prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of drugs by students on school grounds, in school or school- approved vehicles, or at any school-related event. Drugs include any alcoholic beverage, anabolic steroid, dangerous controlled substance as defined by State statute, or substance that could be considered a “look-a-like” controlled substance. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students. Any student who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with due process and as specified in the student handbooks, up to and including expulsion from school. When required by State Law, the district will also notify law enforcement officials. The district is concerned about any student who is a victim of alcohol or drug abuse and will facilitate that process by which she/he receives help through programs and services available in the community. Students and their parents/guardians should contact the school principal or counseling office whenever such help is needed.
- 5600 Student Discipline
- 5610 Removal, Suspension, Expulsion, and Permanent Exclusion of Students
- 5610.01 Permanent Exclusion of Nondisabled Students
- 5610.02 In-School Discipline
- 5610.03 Emergency Removal of Students
- 5610.04 Suspension (Denial) of Bus Riding/Transportation Privileges
- 5610.05 Prohibition from Extra-Curricular Activities
- 5611 Due Process Rights
- 5630 Corporal Punishment
- 5771 Search and Seizure
All persons are hereby put on notice that lockers, desks, or storage places provided for student use are, and remain at all times, the property of the district/Board of Education. All persons are also hereby put on notice that lockers, desks, or storage places provided for student use and the contents thereof are subject to random search at any time without regard to whether there is reasonable suspicion that any locker, desk, or storage place and contents contain evidence of a violation of a criminal statute or school rule.
No person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into a school safety zone, except for authorized personnel. A valid license does not authorize the licensee to carry a weapon into a school safety zone. ORC 2923.122, 2923.1212.
Public Records
Public records requests may be submitted by email, phone, or written format to the Treasurer, Bob Foss ([email protected], 330-821-4012). For convenience, a public records request form is available on the district website at: https://www.marlingtonlocal.org/Downloads/Public%20Records%20Request%20Form.pdf
All public records requests are responded to pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 149.43 and policy 8310 – Public Records.
Student Privacy Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Marlington School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, Marlington School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Marlington School District to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include: a playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production; the annual yearbook; honor roll or other recognition lists; graduation programs; and sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.
From time to time, we have opportunities to share what’s happening in our schools with the community through newspaper articles and photographs. Board policy permits the use of student pictures, unless the principal has been notified in writing by the parents that they do not wish to have photographs of their children published.
If you do not want Marlington Local School District to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing to Attention Superintendent’s Office, 10320 Moulin Avenue NE, Alliance, Ohio 44601 by September 15th of each school year. Marlington Local School District has designated the following information as directory information: [Note: an LEA may, but does not have to, include all the information listed.] Student's name; Participation in officially recognized activities and sports; Address; Telephone listing; Weight and height of members of athletic teams; Electronic mail address; Photograph; Degrees, honors, and awards received; Date and place of birth; Major field of study; Dates of attendance; Grade level and the most recent educational agency or institution attended.
Footnotes: 1. These laws are: Section 9528 of the ESEA (20 U.S.C. 7908), as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110), the education bill, and 10 U.S.C. 503, as amended by section 544, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002 (P.L. 107-107), the legislation that provides funding for the Nation's armed forces.
You may download relevant information at the following U.S. Dept. of Education web addresses:
Further information may be obtained by viewing the following school board policies:
Title IX / Civil Rights Compliance
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance. (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act of 1964) Title IX prohibits sexual harassment in all school programs and activities in school facilities or in other locations when the school is the sponsor of the activity.
Title IX coordinators as well as all faculty, students, coaches, and community members can file a complaint of Title IX violation with the Office of Civil Rights. Anonymity is maintained and institutions are prohibited from retaliating against any complainant.
Marlington’s Title IX coordinators are Renee Kaley: [email protected], 330-821-4024, and Nick Evanich: [email protected], 330-821-4302