Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Visitors Policy 907 topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Policy committee revises school-visitor language to limit releases to custody without proper orders, plans first read Feb. 18
Summary
The committee drafted amendments to Policy 907 to restrict release of students to visitors unless the visitor is a parent/guardian, produces written permission, or presents a properly issued court order; administrative regulations and an updated MOU with local police were discussed.
The Springfield Township School District Policy Committee revised proposed language for Policy 907 (school visitors) on Feb. 6 to clarify how and when school staff will allow visitors and when a student may be released into another person’s custody, including law enforcement and immigration officials.
Superintendent Dr. Janeklin read the recommended language: “The district will not release a student into the custody of a visitor … unless the visitor is a person in parental relation to the student, produces written permission from a person in parental relation and verifies their identity, or produces a properly issued court order, bench warrant or judicial warrant.” The language also requires law enforcement or community agencies seeking to meet with a student or take custody without prior notice to present a court order to the superintendent or designee and be approved before admission to school property, buses or nonpublic areas during school hours or events.
The committee discussed practical details and exceptions. Administrators noted a standing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the local police department; the superintendent explained state law requires periodic collaboration and the district will incorporate any new Policy 907 provisions into the MOU when it is updated in June. The proposed policy specifically excludes emergency situations when the district requests emergency personnel, and the superintendent said school police have building access as part of the existing MOU.
Board members asked for clarifications and small edits: add “campuses and facilities” and “school‑sponsored trips/field trips” to ensure the policy covers athletic fields, off‑site travel and facilities used for community programs; require that visitor badges “must be worn for the duration of the visit;” and tighten consequences language so failure to comply “shall result in more limited access” or “removal of access,” with the superintendent agreeing to consult district attorneys on precise wording.
The committee also discussed identification and Raptor check‑in procedures for visitors. Administrators said photo identification is typical but some families may provide alternate documents (for example, visa or work ID); frequent volunteers may be pre‑registered to speed entry.
Members agreed the policy language should be publicized if approved to minimize confusion and reduce anxiety in the community. The committee will bring Policy 907 to the full board for a first read on Feb. 18 and will develop administrative regulations that set specific procedures for access control, classroom access, nonpublic areas, and student release.
No public comment was recorded on the call. The meeting concluded with the committee scheduling the policy readings for Feb. 18.
