Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA)
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) was signed into law by Congress in 1986. AHERA is the statute that mandated the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Asbestos in Schools Rule.” That Law requires all school buildings to be inspected in order to identify the presence of any asbestos-containing building materials. Subsequent to these inspections, it is required that an AHERA management plan is written to outline site-specific procedures for controlling potential exposure to asbestos fibers.
In accordance with AHERA, all Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas buildings have been examined for asbestos-containing materials by EPA accredited inspectors. The individual building inspection reports are on file at each school’s administrative office.
It is noted that the inspection of District facilities determined that there is no asbestos-containing material in any District building. The AHERA management plan is on file at the District Service Center.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Child Find (Annual Public Notice Regarding Developmental Screenings)
The Gardner Edgerton School District provides a free appropriate public education to all exceptional students within school district boundaries. This includes special education and related services provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state laws for all students with exceptionalities (0-21 years of age). Services are provided in each child's neighborhood school when possible.
The Gardner Edgerton School District offers developmental screenings for children up to 5 years (who are not kindergarten eligible). We also coordinate services with Infant Toddler Services of Johnson County (ITS) and USD 231 Parents as Teachers (PAT) for children birth to 3 years of age. If you live in the Gardner Edgerton district boundaries and have a child from birth to age 5 and have concerns about his or her development, please call the Special Services Office at (913) 856-2080 to set up an appointment for screening.
There are other rights, which by federal and state laws are afforded to you and your exceptional child. A copy of these rights may be obtained free of charge by contacting the address or phone number below.
If you have a child you feel may need special education service(s), please contact your child’s building principal or Gardner Edgerton Special Services, 231 E Main, Gardner, KS 66030 — phone (913) 856-2080.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
The district shall implement and enforce an internet safety plan meeting the requirements of both the federal and the Kansas Children’s Internet Protection Acts (CIPA). The superintendent or designee shall develop a plan to implement the Children’s Internet Protection Acts. The full policy can be found HERE.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents of students and eligible students (those who are 18 or older) are afforded various rights concerning educational records, which are kept and maintained by USD 231. In accordance with FERPA, you are required to be notified of those rights which include:
The right to review and inspect your educational records except those specifically exempt. Records will be available within 45 days of the district receiving an access request.
The right to prevent disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in your educational records to other persons with certain limited exceptions. Disclosure of information from your educational records to other persons will occur only if:
we have your prior written consent for disclosure;
the information is considered "directory information," and you have not objected to the release of such information; or (“For purposes of FERPA, USD 231 has designated certain information as “directory information,” which may be disclosed for any purpose without prior consent The primary purpose of this designation is for district use of the information in school publications, such as newsletters, drama playbills, recognition listings, honors received, graduation programs, sports team rosters and yearbooks, etc. USD 231 considers the following “directory information:” student name, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of teams, honors received, the most recent previous school attended, class designation and photographs.”)
disclosure without your prior consent is permitted by law. Including:
The district may disclose, without your consent, personally identifiable information to school officials with a legitimate educational interest.
The district shall disclose, without your consent, education records to officials of another school district in which a student seeks to enroll or intends to enroll. (See note below on these points.)
The right to request that your educational records be amended if you believe the records are misleading, inaccurate, or otherwise in violation of your rights. This right includes requesting a hearing at which you may present evidence to show why the record should be changed if your request for an amendment to your records is denied in the first instance.
The right to file a complaint with the Family Policy and Regulations Office at the U.S. Department of Education if you believe that USD 231 has failed to comply with FERPA's requirements. The address of this office is 400 Maryland Ave. SW, Room 4074, Washington, D.C. 20202-4605.
The right to obtain a copy of USD 231 policies for complying with FERPA. A copy may be obtained from The Board of Education Office, 231 E. Madison Street, Gardner, Kansas 66030.
You have the right to refuse to permit the designation of any or all of the above information as directory information. If you refuse, you must file a written notification with USD 231 at the Board of Education Office on or before September 1. If a refusal is not filed, USD 231 assumes you have no objection to releasing the designated directory information.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Emergency Safety Interventions (ESI)
For information concerning USD 231's use of Emergency Safety Interventions, please visit the Emergency Safety Intervention page found HERE.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
McKinney-Vento Act / Homeless Services
The district, in accordance with state and federal law and the Kansas state plan, will ensure that homeless children in the school district have access to a free and appropriate public education. Homeless students are individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Students or parents with questions or needs related to homeless services should visit HERE.
For further information regarding educating homeless children and youth, please refer to the Kansas State Department of Education website.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Non-Discrimination
In compliance with Executive Order 11246; Title II of the Education Amendments of 1976; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Title IX Regulation Implementing Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and all other Federal, State, School rules, laws, regulations, and policies, the USD 231 of Gardner, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities.
The district is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination, insult, intimidation, and harassment due to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
To view the full Board of Education-approved policy, please click HERE.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Title IX Coordinator - Dr. Jody Marshall, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services
Section 504 Coordinator - Christi Whitter, Executive Director of Educational Services
The USD 231 Grievance Policy can be found HERE.
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education:
political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student's parent;
mental or psychological problems of the student or student's family;
sex behavior or attitudes;
illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents;
or income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of any other protected information survey, regardless of funding; any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or screening permitted or required under state law; and activities involving collection, disclosure or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
Inspect, upon request and before administration or use protected information surveys of students; instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales or other distribution purposes; and instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
These rights transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under state law.
Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5901
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Sexual Harassment Policy
District employees shall not sexually harass or permit sexual harassment of a student by another employee or student. Neither shall a student sexually harass another student(s) or staff member. Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action, including termination of the employee, or disciplinary action against the student(s) involved. Supervisors who fail to follow this policy or who fail to investigate complaints shall violate this policy. If the principal is the object of a harassment complaint, the student may bypass the principal and report directly to the superintendent. The board shall hear complaints against the superintendent.
Definitions:
Sexual harassment may include, but not be limited to:
Sexually oriented communication, including sexually oriented verbal "kidding" or harassment or abuse.
Subtle pressure or requests for sexual activity.
Persistent unwelcome attempts to change a professional relationship into a personal, social-sexual relationship.
Creating a hostile school environment, including the use of innuendoes or overt or implied threats.
Unnecessary touching of an individual, eg., patting, pinching, hugging, repeated brushing against another person's body.
Requesting or demanding sexual favors accompanied by an implied or overt promise of preferential treatment with regard to a student's grade or status in any activity.
Sexual assault or battery as defined by current law.
Any student who believes he or she has been subjected to sexual harassment should discuss the problem with his/her administrator or another certified staff member. The initiation of a sexual harassment complaint will not cause any adverse reflection on the student. The initiation of a student's complaint shall not adversely affect the job security or status of any employee or student until a finding of fact determines that improper conduct occurred. Strict confidentiality shall be maintained through the complaint procedure.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
Website Accessibility for People with Disabilities
The Gardner Edgerton School District is committed to providing access to all individuals, with or without disabilities, seeking information on our website. If you are unable to access content on the Gardner Edgerton School District’s website, or have questions about the accessibility of content or technology used by the District, please email webmaster@usd231.com.
Some pages on the USD 231 website contain links to third-party sites, which are not under our management and may not comply with accessibility standards. USD 231 is not responsible for the content or accessibility of third-party sites.
This report serves as the annual notification for the Unified School District No. 231, Johnson County, State of Kansas for the current school year.
