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Upon request to the Superintendent/designee, the district shall make reasonable accommodation for a disabled person to be able to participate in activities.

Northridge Local School District is committed to ensuring that all children with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. As part of this commitment, the district wants to inform you about the Child Find process and how it helps identify and support children with disabilities.

What is Child Find?
Child Find is a process mandated by federal and state law to identify, locate, and evaluate children who may have disabilities and need special education and related services. This includes children from birth through age 21, regardless of whether they are currently enrolled in school.

How to Refer a Child
If you suspect that your child may have a disability and could benefit from special education services, you can refer your child for evaluation. You can make a referral by contacting the Northridge Local School District at 740-967-6631. The district will need your consent before we can conduct an evaluation.

What Happens Next?
As a parent or guardian, you have the right to be involved in all meetings regarding your child’s evaluation and eligibility for special education services. You will also receive information about your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Ohio law.

Your Rights
As a parent or guardian, you have the right to be involved in all meetings regarding your child’s evaluation and eligibility for special education services. You will also receive information about your rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Ohio law.

Additional Information
For more information about Child Find, the referral process, or special education services, please contact the Northridge Local School District at 740-967-6631.

Educational Services for Displaced Youth (Board Policy 5111.01)
The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to provide educational services for students experiencing homelessness which are equal to those provided for all other enrolled students, and ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal opportunities to enroll in, attend, and be successful in school.  Your child may qualify as for McKinney-Vento services if you are: Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; Living in a motel, hotel, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate living accommodations; Living in emergency or transitional shelters; Are abandoned in hospitals; Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings; Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, transportation stations or similar settings; or Migratory children living in conditions described above. According to the child’s best interest, students experiencing homelessness will continue to be enrolled in their school of origin while they remain in the homeless situation or until the end of the academic year in which they obtain permanent housing. The District liaison for students experiencing homelessness is Amy Warren at (740) 967-6631 ext 312  

Ohio Revised Code 3313.666 defines harassment, intimidation, or bullying to mean any intentional written, verbal, electronic, 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).  Ohio Revised Code 3313.666 additionally requires the board of education of each school district to establish a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and bullying and requires each district to bi-annually report the number of verified acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, whether in the classroom, on school property, to and from school, or at school-sponsored events.  Please contact the Compliance Officer, Amy Warren at 740-967-6631 or awarren@northridgevikings.org, with any questions. 

Release of Information Post-Secondary (College and Military) Organizations (Board Policy 8330)

Student Records
The district will maintain those student records necessary for the educational guidance and/or welfare of students, for orderly and efficient operation of schools, and as required by law. All information related to individual students will be treated in a confidential and professional manner. The district will use reasonable methods to ensure that teachers and other school officials obtain access to only those education records for which they have legitimate educational interests. When information is released in compliance with state and federal law, the district and district employees are immune from civil liability unless they acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.
The district will retain records in compliance with the current, approved versions of the Local Government General Records Retention Schedule (CORE) and the School Districts and Educational Service Districts Records Retention Schedule, both of which are published on the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.ohiohistory.org/research/local-government-records-program/local-retention-schedules-forms/.
Student records are the property of the district but will be available in an orderly and timely manner to students and parents/guardians. “Parent” includes the state Department of Social and Health Services when a minor student has been found dependent and placed in state custody. A parent/guardian or adult student may challenge any information in a student record believed inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student.
Student records will be forwarded to other school agencies upon request. A high school student may grant authority to the district, permitting prospective employers to review the student’s transcript. Parental/guardian or adult student consent will be required before the district may release student records other than to a school agency or organization, except as otherwise provided by law.
A diploma may not be released until a student has made restitution (financial or otherwise) for damages assessed as a result of losing or damaging school materials or equipment.
The superintendent or designee will establish procedures governing the content, management, and control of student records.

Northridge Local School District is committed to providing a supportive educational environment for all students, including those with disabilities. Below is important information about the availability of special education services and the process for accessing these services.

1. Special Education Services: Our district offers special education services for students who need specialized instruction due to a disability. Eligibility for services is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process.

2. Evaluation Process: If you suspect that your child may have a disability, please contact the district to discuss a referral for evaluation. The district will need your consent before conducting any evaluations.

3. Individualized Education Program (IEP): If your child is found eligible, the district will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to their needs. This plan will be reviewed annually, and you are encouraged to participate in all meetings related to your child’s education.

4. Parent Rights: You have the right to participate in meetings, give or withhold consent, and receive information on procedural safeguards. A copy of the procedural safeguards notice is available upon request.

5. Related Services and Placement: Related services such as speech or occupational therapy may be provided as needed. The district strives to educate students in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their needs.

6. Transition Planning: For students aged 14 and older, transition planning will be included in the IEP to prepare them for postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.

For more information or to discuss your child’s specific needs, please contact Dr. Katie Karacson at 740-967-6631. You can also visit the Ohio Department of Education’s website for additional resources.

Federal and Special Programs (Board Policy 2261)

Title I is a federally funded program designed to help children who are achieving below grade level in reading and math. Trained teachers, paraeducators and materials are provided by Title I funds to qualifying schools. Based on their scores, children receive instruction to accelerate their learning. Families at Title I schools are invited to participate in the planning and evaluation of the program. Northridge Elementary School receives Title I funds as a Targeted Title I Program.

The Elementary and Secondary Act (also known as No Child Left Behind Act) requires that schools receiving Title I federal aid have instructors in all core academic areas who meet the federal definition of “highly qualified.” Parents/guardians may request the qualifications of their child’s teacher.

• Support Services: Title I funds are used to provide additional instructional services and support to help students succeed in reading, math, and other subjects.

• Teacher Qualifications: You have the right to request information about the qualifications of your child’s teachers. This includes their licensing status, certifications, and academic degrees. Please contact the Northridge Local School District at 740-967-6631 for this information.

Annual Report

Northridge Local School District will provide an annual report on the school’s performance and progress, including how Title I funds are used and their impact on student achievement. This information will be available by contacting the Northridge Local School District at 740-967-6631.

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal assistance.  (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to the Civil Rights Act of 1964) Title IX prohibits sexual harassment in all school programs and activities in school facilities or in other locations when the school is the sponsor of the activity.

Title IX coordinator, as well as all faculty, students, coaches, and community members, can file a complaint of Title IX violation with the Office of Civil Rights. Anonymity is maintained and institutions are prohibited from retailing against any complainant.

Anyone wishing to file a complaint should contact Northridge Local Schools Compliance Coordinator Amy Warren email awarren@northridgevikings.org, postal mail 6097 Johnstown-Utica Road, Johnstown, OH 43031 or by telephone at 740-967-6631 Ext. 312.

• The EPA has indicated that schools should be free of friable asbestos.

• Air samples are required every three years.

• All potential areas of concern are to be inspected by the environmental support network, the Industrial Commission of Ohio, our maintenance staff, and an independent testing laboratory.

• Asbestos testing and inspection have been done to bring all buildings into compliance with AHERA standards.

• Any friable materials in buildings have been inspected and repaired to meet current standards.

• Inspections will be done twice each year by the maintenance/custodial staff to notify the administration of any friable material.

• Any areas of concern will be reviewed by the Board of Education during its annual building tour and placed on a priority list for permanent improvement.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s document titled, “How to Manage Asbestos in Schools” may be accessed at https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-and-school-buildings#comply

Ohio Revised Code 3313.666 defines harassment, intimidation, or bullying to mean any intentional written, verbal, electronic, 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).  Ohio Revised Code 3313.666 additionally requires the board of education of each school district to establish a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, and bullying and requires each district to bi-annually report the number of verified acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, whether in the classroom, on school property, to and from school, or at school-sponsored events.  Please contact Compliance Coordinator, Amy Warren at 740-967-6631 ext. 312 or awarren@northridgevikings.org, with any questions. 

The Board of Education is a policy-making body comprised of five residents of the school district.  Members of the Board are elected by voters of the district and serve a four-year term. The Board derives its powers and responsibilities from the Ohio General Assembly to establish a sound educational philosophy. The Board establishes policy:

• To be responsible to the residents of the Northridge Local School District

• To serve as a policy-making body

• To develop sound financial plans based on educational needs and available resources

• To provide leadership for educational progress

• To be solely responsible for the employment and evaluation of the Superintendent and Treasurer

• To recognize the Superintendent’s responsibility for all administrative functions

• To refer applications, complaints, communication, and other matters directly to the Superintendent

• To approve an annual school calendar

• To levy taxes when residents approve a tax issue

The Board of Education meetings are open to the public.  The regular meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held on the third Tuesday of every month at the Northridge Local School - District Office, located at 6097 Johnstown-Utica Road, Johnstown, Ohio 43031.  The Board, under Ohio law, may hold executive sessions during the meeting to discuss:

• Personnel matters

• Purchase of property for public purposes

• Pending or imminent court action

• Negotiations with employees

• Matters to be kept confidential by federal or state statutes

• Specialized details of security arrangements

Executive sessions are for discussion only. All board action is taken in public session.

In order to present helpful suggestions to the Northridge Local Schools, public participation is encouraged during the “Recognition of visitors and hearing of the public” portion of each meeting.  To allow the Board to deal with all items on the agenda in an effective and efficient manner, public input may be limited.  Each person wishing to address the Board shall sign up at the meeting location prior to the start of the meeting.  When signing up, each individual must provide his/her first and last name, full address, telephone number, email address, and the issue to be addressed.  The speaker will have a maximum of five (5) minutes to address the Board.

Northridge Local School District does not discriminate in education, employment practices, services, programs, or activities because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or age. 

• Nondiscrimination and access equal educational opportunity please see Policy 2260
• Nondiscrimination and access equal employment opportunity please see Policy 1422 & 3122 & 4122
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination and access safe harbor please see Policy 1422.02 & 3122.02 & 4122.02

The snippet that follows is cited directly from the Ohio Department of Education’s webpage: “As of September 2021, Ohio law requires school districts to provide yearly notice to parents about their procedures related to the requirements of positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) and the emergency use of physical restraint and seclusion, including the local complaint process. Part of this law requires that parents in Ohio’s public schools must be given the following information at least one time per year.  What is the purpose of this law? The purpose of this law is for Ohio school districts to provide behavior supports and training to reduce and eliminate the need for emergency physical restraint and seclusion. The law requires that Ohio school districts: 

• Implement PBIS in all (K-12) schools across the district.

• Provide student personnel with professional development about PBIS.

• Deliver specific training on ways to prevent the use of restraint and seclusion and safe restraint and seclusion practices when needed for emergencies.”

See the link below for the full document

PBIS Parent Resources

Northridge Local School District participates in inter-district open enrollment with other districts.  Parents must obtain an Inter-district enrollment application from either the Superintendent’s office or the principal’s office at any school building and must submit the completed application by April 30th in order to be considered for the following school year.  For more information, contact the Northridge Local Schools Superintendent’s office at 740-967-6631.