Administrative Procedure 165

EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Background

Emergency and crisis management are essential for the physical and emotional well being of students and staff. The safety and security of students and staff are essential for an optimal learning and working environment.
The Principal will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that emergency and crisis response plans commensurate with the needs of the School are developed and rehearsed. The Superintendent will oversee the implementation of the Plan.

Definition

Crisis is defined as any unusual situation, falling under or impinging on the jurisdiction of the School that could interfere with the wellbeing of students and staff. This would include, but is not limited to, events such as interruption of essential services to the School, fire, violence, threats, serious illness or accident involving members of the school community, and crisis in the country or community.

Procedures

1. Minimizing risk and limitation of harm are fundamental considerations when developing a Crisis Management Plan.
2. Safety rules for classes and the School at large are part of crisis management.
3. While it is impossible to predict the nature and scope of all potential crisis situations, proper planning can facilitate an appropriate response to a crisis.
4. Staff must understand that the existence of a Crisis (Emergency) Management Plan does not preclude the use of professional judgement to modify the Plan when it is warranted.
5. The Principal will promote a culture within the school that encourages consistent consideration for the safety and well implementation of all plans, policies, and procedures. An explicit plan with roles and responsibilities may be developed with the input of Charter Board members, staff, and other stakeholders.
6. Since school evacuation may be required in many cases, the Principal shall ensure that crisis response instructions and an evacuation map are posted in each instructional area of the school and other areas as determined by the Principal.
7. At least three (3) times in the fall term and three (3) times in the spring term, a fire drill shall be held and the Principal is to record for reference:
7.1. Date of drill
7.2. Time to evaluate school fully;
7.3. Observations or recommendations.
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8. At least one (1) time in the fall term and one (1) time in the spring term, a lock down drill shall be held and the Principal shall record the date of the drill and observations and recommendations.
9. At least one (1) time in the all term and one (1) time in the spring term, a school bus evacuation drill shall be held and the Principal shall record the date of the drill and observations and recommendations. The Principal shall arrange the evacuation drill with the transportation services.
10. In the event of a crisis/disaster:
10.1. According to ability, teachers shall do what is reasonable to protect, account for, and care for the student(s) under their direct supervision.
10.2. The Principal shall take steps to ensure the safety of the student(s) and contact the appropriate authorities, including the Superintendent.
10.3. Communication with parent(s) will be initiated at the discretion of the Principal.
10.4. Special consideration is to be given, and professional assistance sought, in cases where trauma or excessive emotional stress is in evidence.
10.5. If necessary, the Superintendent may close the school. Every effort shall be taken to resume regular classes as soon as appropriate.
11. During the first week of school, each teacher shall ensure that the evacuation and/or disaster procedures are clearly posted and reviewed in his/her classroom(s). Thereafter, the procedures will be reviewed in accordance with the schedule established by the Principal.
12. This Administrative Procedure and related procedures/protocols shall be reviewed by the Principal at a staff meeting prior to the end of September and prior to the first day of school for staff who are new to the School.
13. The Principal shall provide updated copies of the school crisis/disaster plan to the Superintendent.
14. In addition to an immediate verbal report to the Superintendent who will in turn, notify the Board Chair as soon as possible, a detailed report of any major emergency, crisis or disaster at the School shall be provided to the Board by the Superintendent and Principal no later than the first Regular Board Meeting following the event.

References: Section 25, 26, 33, 52, 53, 68, 196, 197, 222, 225
Education Act Disaster Services Act Emergency Medical Aid Act
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Fire Prevention Act
Occupational Health and Safety Act Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Occupational Health and Safety Code