Stevensville School District 

NONINSTRUCTIONAL OPERATIONS 

District Safety

For purposes of this policy, “disaster means the occurrence or imminent threat of damage, injury, or loss of life or property”.

The Board recognizes that safety and health standards should be incorporated into all aspects of the operation of the District. Rules for safety and prevention of accidents shall be posted in compliance with the Montana Safety Culture Act and the Montana Safety Act. Injuries and accidents shall be reported to the District Office.

The board of trustees has identified the following local hazards that exist within the boundaries of its school district:
[Fire, Earthquake, Avalanche, High Winds, Tornadoes, Intruders, firearms, etc.]

The District Safety Officer shall design and incorporate drills in its school safety or emergency operations plan to address the above stated hazards. The trustees shall certify to the office of public instruction that a school safety or emergency operations plan has been adopted. This plan and procedures shall be discussed and distributed to each teacher at the beginning of each school year. There shall be at least eight (8) disaster drills a year in a school. All teachers shall discuss safety drill procedures with their lass at the beginning of each year and shall have them posted in a conspicuous place next to the exit door. Drills must be held at different hours of the day or evening to avoid distinction between drills and actual disasters. A record shall be kept of all fire drills.

The trustees shall review the school safety or emergency operations plan periodically and update the plan as determined necessary by the trustees based on changing circumstances pertaining to school safety. Once the trustees have made the certification to the office of public instruction the trustees may transfer funds pursuant to section 2, 20-1-401, MCA to make improvements to school safety and security.

The superintendent shall develop safety and health standards with the Montana Safety Culture Act. An employee member may submit a request for required equipment to the administration in accordance with established District practice.

Legal Reference:
§20-1-401, MCA Disaster drills to be conducted regularly-districts to identify disaster risks and adopt school safety plan
§20-1-402, MCA Number of disasters drills required-time of drills to vary
§§39-71-1501, et seq., MCA Montana Safety Culture Act
37.111.812., ARM Safety Requirements

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 12, 2002
Reviewed on: January 2016; September 29, 2020; July 12, 2022
Revised on: February 2016, November 10, 2020; August 9, 2022