Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 9, September 27, 2024
A. School
Safety Assessment
1. The State Department of
Education shall develop a Model Safe Schools Checklist designed to assess
schools' safety strengths and weaknesses. The checklist must include items
addressing the following topics:
a. the
existence of a comprehensive safety plan;
b. communication of discipline policies and
procedures;
c. intra-agency and
interagency emergency planning;
d.
recording of disruptive incidents;
e. training of staff and students;
f. assessment of buildings and
grounds;
g. procedures for handling
visitors;
h. assignment of
personnel in emergencies;
i.
emergency communication and management procedures; and
j. transportation rules and accident
procedures.
2. The State
Department of Education shall submit the checklist to the State Board of
Education for approval prior to dissemination to the school districts. The
checklist may be revised on an annual basis by the State Board of Education in
compliance with relevant provisions of the Safe Schools Act of 1990.
3. Prior to September 30 of each school year,
the State Department of Education shall disseminate a copy of the model safe
schools checklist to every public school district in the state.
4. School districts shall be advised by the
Department of Education of the requirement to use a safe schools checklist in
compliance with Section
59-5-65,
S.C. Code of Laws, 1976. This safety assessment should be part of the
comprehensive needs assessment conducted for school improvement purposes in
compliance with Section
59-20-60(4)(d),
S.C. Code of Laws, 1976. In particular, a safe schools check list should be
utilized in determining "school climate" needs, one of the six indicators of
school effectiveness.
B.
First Aid Supplies
Each school shall provide adequate first aid supplies and
equipment.
C. Support for
Authorities
The Board urges all citizens to continue their active and
vigorous support of the local school and civil authorities in insuring the
personal safety and security of all students and teachers.
D. Emergency and Disaster Plans
A plan shall be designed to provide for the protection and
welfare of students in the event of any disaster (tornado, hurricane, fire,
etc.) which threatens to involve the school community. Each school shall
conduct at least one emergency drill within the first month of school to insure
safety against such disasters.
E. Guidelines will be developed by the State
Department of Education which will refer to statutory provisions relating to
school safety, as well as additional information. The State Department of
Education will review and update these guidelines as needed.
