SECTION 504 STATEMENT

The Board acknowledges the requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is the policy of the Board to provide a free and appropriate public education to each handicapped student within its jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the handicap.

In addition, it is the intent of the Board to ensure that students who are handicapped within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 be identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services. This school recognizes that students may be handicapped under this policy even though they do not require services pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

It is the policy of the Board to ensure that due process rights of handicapped students and their parents under Section 504 shall be enforced.

The Building Principal shall serve as the coordinator of Section 504 activities. The Principal may, at his/her discretion, delegate this responsibility to an appropriate staff person.

1. The Principal or a staff person he/she appoints shall serve as the 504 coordinator and shall be
    responsible for handling all referrals of students suspected of being handicapped under Section 504
    of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

2. A student shall be considered for protection under a 504 plan whenever a student returns from
    school after a serious illness or injury, when a student is referred for an evaluation but is found not to
    qualify for Special Education Services under IDEA, when a student has chronic health condition such
    as HIV, Tuberculosis, Asthma, Allergies, Diabetes, Heart Disease, etc., when a student has
    Attention Deficit Disorder or behavioral difficulties, when substance abuse is an issue, when
    suspension or expulsion is being considered for any student, when a student is being considered for
    retention, or when a handicap of any kind is suspected.

3. A 504 committee shall be formed consisting of the Principal, the Special Education Teacher, an
    appropriate classroom teacher, the parents and any other deemed appropriate by the 504
    coordinator. The committee will study and consider all evaluations and materials relating to the
    student’s suspected handicap. The committee will decide if further evaluation or consideration is
    needed to determine whether a student qualifies under Section 504.

4. If a student is found to qualify as a handicapped person under Section 504, the committee will
    complete a Section 504/ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Accommodation plan for that
    student.

5. Parents will be notified in writing in their native language when their child is being considered for
    eligibility under Section 504. Parents will be notified of and invited to any 504-committee meetings
    concerning their child. Parents will be notified when there is a significant change in program/service.
    A notice of due process rights of a 504 student will accompany each notification. All such
    communication shall be in the student’s native language and the 504 coordinator will take all practical
    steps to ensure that parents fully understand their rights under Section 504.

6. Each student with a 504 plan will have his/her program and 504 plan reviewed at least once a year
    and more often if circumstances warrant.

DATE ADOPTED: July 1, 2003