UPPER MARLBORO, MD- The Prince George’s County Board of Education approved four new policies Tuesday designed to enhance and ensure
student safety throughout Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).
Approved
unanimously, the policies relate to school volunteers; inappropriate
relationships between students, staff, volunteers and contractors; reporting
suspected child abuse and neglect; and overall safety measures to prevent child
abuse.
“Our
foremost priority is the safety and security of students in Prince George’s
County Public Schools,” said Dr. Segun C. Eubanks, Board of Education Chair.
“The Board of Education encourages family and community participation in
volunteer activities that support student learning and development. Parents,
families, community members and groups play crucial roles in nurturing student
success. These updates and revisions to existing policies are designed to
protect children as they engage with volunteers, faculty and staff.”
Dr. Kevin M.
Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer, will issue revised administrative procedures
in August, prior to the start of the new school year.
“We are committed
to implementing comprehensive policies that send a clear message about what
matters most in Prince George’s County Public Schools -- our children’s
safety,” said Dr. Maxwell. “We must use every precaution in issues involving
student safety and ensuring safe environments in all of our schools.”
Specifically, the
policies will address:
- Volunteer Services – Outlines specific areas
for inclusion, such as criminal background checks; volunteer eligibility
criteria for current and former employees; access to and interaction with
students; training requirements for all volunteers, including leadership with a
Parent Teacher Association and Parent Teacher Organization; and compliance
monitoring requirements for schools.
- Student Safety and Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse – Outlines training requirements for new employees; screening and
training processes for volunteers; administrative procedures related to
employee use of social media, school visitors and other areas; curriculum
enhancements and school safety assessments.
- Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect – Focuses on procedures that employees, volunteers and contractors must
follow in reporting suspected abuse or neglect, and consequences for failing to
do so.
- Inappropriate Relationships Between Students and Employees, Volunteers
and Contractors – Prohibits dating, sexual relations and
inappropriate relationships between employees, volunteers, contractors and any
students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in PGCPS. Consequences
include termination, notification to child protective and law enforcement
agencies, revocation of professional licenses and exclusion from future
contracts and volunteer activities.
The new policies
are an outgrowth of the Student Safety Task Force recommendations released at the end of May. The task force conducted an independent
review of current PGCPS policies, procedures, processes and practices related
to student safeguards and protections.