The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board of Education will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property or while enroute to or from school, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school's control, in a school vehicle, or where an employee is engaged in school business.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). Aggressive behavior is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student's educational, physical, or emotional well being. This type of behavior is a form of intimidation and harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, bullying/cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying also means electronically transmitted acts that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental and physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). ​

Complaints
Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Such reports shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal for review, investigation, and action.​

Consequences
If the investigation finds an instance of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying/cyberbullying by an electronic act or otherwise, has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action. This may include suspension or up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.

View Board policy 5517.01 for our complete policy including information on complaints, privacy, reporting, disciplinary action, immunity, notification, education and training.​

The Southern Ohio Educational Service Center (SOESC), in partnership with Clinton and Fayette County schools, career technical center, and businesses, will assist in the assessment of workforce needs and employability skills for student success in the regional economy. 

2023 Clinton County BAC Joint Statement  (pdf)

In accordance with Federal Law, the Board prohibits the use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug or any drug-related paraphernalia as the term is defined by law, or the misuse of a product containing a substance that can provide an intoxicating or mood-altering effect on school grounds, on school vehicles, and/or at any school-sponsored event. It further establishes a drug-free zone within 1,000 feet of any facility used by the District for educational purposes.

For purposes of this policy, "drugs" shall mean:

1. all dangerous controlled substances as so designated and prohibited by Ohio statute;

2. all chemicals which release toxic vapors; 

3. all alcoholic beverages; 

4. any prescription or patent drug, except those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy; 

5. anabolic steroids; 

6. any substance containing betel nut (areca nut);

7. any substance that is a "look-alike" to any of the above.
   
   

Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all students. Disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school standards of conduct and a description of those sanctions. The sanctions may include, together with punitive action, voluntary referral to appropriate persons or agencies for screening and assessment. Such referral may only be made to qualified and properly licensed individuals or programs. When required by State law, the District will also notify law enforcement officials.

The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful. The District is concerned about any student who is a victim of alcohol or drug abuse and will facilitate the process by which s/he receives help through programs and services available in the community. Students and their parents should contact the school principal or counseling office whenever such help is needed.

Board Policy 5530

Homeless students will be provided with a free and appropriate public education in the same manner as other students served by the District.  Homeless students are eligible to receive transportation services, participate in education programs for students with disabilities or limited English proficiency, participate in gifted and talented programs, and receive meals under school nutrition programs.  Homeless students will not be denied enrollment based on lack of proof of residency.  For additional information contact the liaison for Homeless Students at (937)382-1641.

Below is a rough draft of our District's Learning Recovery and Extended Learning Plan. The document will be updated as our plans are further developed.

WCS Learning Recovery and Extended Learning Plan Draft

The Board of Wilmington City School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its educational programs or activities. The Board is required by Title II, Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act, and implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. The Board also does not discriminate on the basis of Protected Classes in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students, and does not tolerate harassment of any kind. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

District Compliance Officers / Title IX Coordinators are: 

Natalie Harmeling
Director of Pupil Services
341 S Nelson Ave
Wilmington, OH 45177
937-382-1641, Ext. 7384
natalie.harmeling@wilmington.k12.oh.us

Curt Bone
Director of Business Operations
341 S Nelson Ave
Wilmington, OH 45177
937-382-1641, Ext. 7500
curt.bone@wilmington.k12.oh.us

Any inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations to the District may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator(s), the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.

The Board has adopted a grievance process and procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any action that is prohibited by Title IX and/or its implementing regulations. The grievance process and procedures are included in Policy 2266 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities. The grievance process and procedures specifically address how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of Sexual Harassment, and how the District will respond.

Title IX Documents

Employee Training (pdf)

Coordinator, Investigator, Decision-Maker - Additional Training (pdf)

Title IX Discrimination Complaint Form (pdf for printing)

Parents/guardians of each student enrolled in the District may request information about the professional qualifications of each classroom teacher who provides instruction to the student. Upon request of the parent/guardian, the District will provide information about each teacher assigned to provide instruction to their student(s) in a timely manner. The information will include whether the teacher has satisfied all requirements for certification/licensure or whether the teacher provides instruction under a waiver.

Board Policy 3120 (4120)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records.  These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days after the day the Wilmington City School District receives a request for access.
   
   Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect.  The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
   
   Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Wilmington City School District to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed.  If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
   
   One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights.  A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board.  A school official also may include a volunteer,  contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   
   Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.  

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Wilmington City School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC  20202

Wilmington City School District will make available, upon request, certain information known as "directory information." The Board designates as student "directory information": 

• a student's name; 

• address;

• telephone number;

• date and place of birth;

• major field of study;

• participation in officially-recognized activities and sports;

• height and weight, if a member of an athletic team;

• dates of attendance;

• date of graduation;

• or awards received.

The Board designates school-assigned e-mail accounts as "directory information" for the limited purpose of facilitating students’ registration for access to various online educational services, including mobile applications/apps that will be utilized by the student for educational purposes and for inclusion in internal e-mail address books.

School-assigned email accounts shall not be released as directory information beyond this/these limited purpose(s) and to any person or entity but the specific online educational service provider and internal users of the District's Education Technology. Directory information shall not be provided to any organization for profit-making purposes.

Parents and eligible students may refuse to allow the Board to disclose any or all of such "directory information" upon written notification to the Board within five (5) days after receipt of the Superintendent's annual public notice.

In accordance with Federal and State law, the Board shall release the names, addresses, and telephone listings of secondary students to a recruiting officer for any branch of the United States Armed Forces or an institution of higher education who requests such information. A secondary school student or parent of the student may request in writing that the student's name, address, and telephone listing not be released without prior consent of the parent(s)/eligible student. The recruiting officer is to sign a form indicating that "any information received by the recruiting officer shall be used solely for the purpose of informing students about military service and shall not be released to any person other than individuals within the recruiting services of the Armed Forces." The Superintendent is authorized to charge mailing fees for providing this information to a recruiting officer.

Whenever consent of the parent(s)/eligible student is required for the inspection and/or release of a student's health or education records or for the release of "directory information," either parent may provide such consent unless agreed to otherwise in writing by both parents or specifically stated by court order. If the student is under the guardianship of an institution, the Superintendent shall appoint a person who has no conflicting interest to provide such written consent.

The Board may disclose "directory information," on former students without student or parental consent, unless the parent or eligible student previously submitted a request that such information not be disclosed without their prior written consent.

The Board shall not permit the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the purpose of marketing or for selling that information (or otherwise providing that information to others for that purpose).

PPRA affords parents of elementary and secondary students certain rights regarding the conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams.  These include, but are not limited to, the right to:

1. Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED)–
   
   
   1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
   2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
   3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
   4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
   5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
   6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
   7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or
   8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
      
      
2. Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
   
   
   1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
   2. 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
   3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others. (This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purpose of developing, evaluating, or providing educational products or services for, or to, students or educational institutions.)
      
      
3. Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
   
   
   1. Protected information surveys of students and surveys created by a third party;
   2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
   3. 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. 

Wilmington City School District has developed and adopted policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes.  Wilmington City School District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes.  Wilmington City School District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or email, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys noted below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to opt his or her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey.  Wilmington City School District will make this notification to parents at the beginning of the school year if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities or surveys at that time.  For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and be provided an opportunity to opt their child out of such activities and surveys.  Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.  Following is a list of the specific activities and surveys covered under this direct notification requirement:

• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for marketing, sales, or other distribution.

• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.

• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above. 

Parents who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with:    

Student Privacy Policy Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C.  20202

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Board of the Wilmington City School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activity, and is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment. The District’s Title IX Coordinator(s) is/are:

Natalie Harmeling
Director of Pupil Services
937-382-1641, ext 7384
341 S Nelson Ave
Wilmington, OH 45177
email

Curt Bone
Director of Business Operations
937-382-1641, ext 7500
341 S Nelson Ave
Wilmington, OH 45177
email

Any inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations to the District may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator(s), the Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both.

The Board has adopted a grievance process and procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student and employee complaints alleging any action that is prohibited by Title IX and/or its implementing regulations. The grievance process and procedures are included in Policy 2266 – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities. The grievance process and procedures specifically address how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of Sexual Harassment, and how the District will respond. 

Title IX Training Materials

Employee Training (pdf)

Coordinator, Investigator, Decision-Maker - Additional Training (pdf)

Title IX Discrimination Complaint Form (pdf for printing)