Book: K

Section: School-Community Relations

Title: Visitors to the Schools

Code: KI

Status:  Active

Adopted: October 19, 2021

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Visitors to the Schools

The Portland Board of Education believes that visits to the schools by parent(s)/legal guardian(s), members of the community, the public, and individual School Committee members can provide a positive experience. However, in order to avoid interruption of ongoing educational activities and in an effort to promote student and employee safety, the principal of each school shall institute procedures relating to visitors to the schools that are intended to maintain order and protect the safety of students. It is understood that such procedures may vary from school to school due to the nature of the building, the location of the school, the age of the students, and other considerations.

Parental Notification

If there exists a court order containing restrictions on access to a child by a parent, and a parent/legal guardian wishes the school to act in a manner consistent with that order, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent/legal guardian to provide a certified copy of such order to the school.

Unauthorized Visitors and Trespassers

Persons entering the school building without prior authorization from school officials and persons who fail to report to the main office upon entering the building are considered “unauthorized persons.” All unauthorized person(s) shall then be directed to leave the premises should they lack a legitimate school-related purpose. Those persons having no school-related purpose who remain on school premises or at school-sponsored events after being directed to leave, shall be considered “trespassers.” This shall also apply to all students under suspension or expulsion, unless otherwise authorized by the school administration. Such persons shall be immediately directed to leave the school premises. Law enforcement shall be contacted as necessary when dealing with such persons.

Release of students to persons other than parent(s)/legal guardian(s) and known care providers

A student will be released only to parents, legal guardians, or persons authorized in writing by parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to pick up the student. Where school personnel have reason to question the authenticity of written authorization, they should make appropriate efforts to telephone the student's parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to confirm the authority of the person seeking to pick up the child. Principals may institute other appropriate procedures regarding release of students to parents, guardians, and authorized persons. (Note: The school reserves the right to question the authenticity of any written or verbal communication and to deny the release of students to unauthorized or unknown persons).