HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.1 Report 24-116 Rescission of Policy P.084.SCO October 2024 (3).pdfPOLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE 14 November 2024
Report No 24-116
RESCISSION OF POLICY P.084.SCO STUDENT SAFETY PATROLS
Key Contact:AJ Keene,Superintendent of Education,
613-596-8211 ext.8391
PURPOSE:
1.To seek approval for the rescission of Policy P.084.SCO Student Safety Patrol.
STRATEGIC LINKS:
2.The proposed rescission is consistent with the Board’s policy review and
development process and supports a commitment to effective governance.This
aligns with the Learning,Well-being,and Social Responsibility pillars under the
Ottawa-Carleton District School Board’s (OCDSB)2023-2027 Strategic Plan.
CONTEXT:
3.An effective policy review cycle should consider whether a policy can or should be
rescinded because it is no longer relevant,required,or could be combined with another
related policy.In this case,staff are recommending the policy is rescinded on the basis
that the content is no longer relevant as the program the policy provides guidance for no
longer exists.Student Safety Patrol programs were phased out over time,as schools
mitigated risk-taking activities for students,and means of student transportation evolved
over time.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS:
4.Development of Policy P.084.SCO
Policy P.084.SCO was introduced in June of 2000 and last revised in June of
2009.The policy was introduced to establish principles and directives for schools in
the operation of student safety patrols.A formal program partnership with the
Canadian Automobile Association (CAA)supported the implementation of student
safety patrols in many schools.Over time,the program ceased to run in schools,
due in part to changes in transportation trends and increased student safety
Rescission of Policy P.084.SCO Page 1
concerns.While no formal direction was provided to end these programs,they have
not run in schools for some time.
5.Risk Analysis of Policy Rescission
In assessing the potential consequences or risks associated with the rescission
of any Board policy,staff would normally outline the mitigation measures in place to
support the rationale that the policy is no longer relevant.In this case,the policy
governs a program that is no longer in existence and therefore there is no risk
associated with the rescission.
RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS:
6.There are no resource implications related to the rescission of this policy.
COMMUNICATION/CONSULTATION ISSUES:
7.There are no communication /consultation issues relating to the rescission of this
policy.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Policy P.084.SCO Student Safety Patrols be rescinded.
Appendix A:Student Safety Patrols -Policy P.084.SCO
________________________________________________
AJ Keene,Pino Buffone,
Superintendent Education Director of Education and
Secretary of the Board
Rescission of Policy P.084.SCO Page 2
-1- P.084.SCO
POLICY P.084.SCO
TITLE: STUDENT SAFETY PATROLS
Date Issued: 20 June 2000
Last Revised: 22 June 2009
Authorization: Board: 24 May 2000
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To establish principles and directives for schools in the operation of student safety patrols.
2.0 DEFINITIONS
In this policy,
2.1 Important crossing means an intersection or other designated point at which a number
of students must cross a street or road in order to walk to or from school:
a)that is within proximity of the school; and
b)that has been approved in accordance with Board Procedure PR.612.SCO
accompanying this policy.
3.0 POLICY
3.1 It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that each of their children reaches school
safely. School safety patrols are student helpers. Parents must not depend on safety
patrols, who could be prevented from being at their posts for a number of reasons
including cold weather, illness, or lack of ability to find an approved replacement on
short notice.
3.2 The OCDSB supports the organization of student safety patrols for important crossings.
3.3 Prior to organizing student safety patrols, principals should consult with the School
Resource Officer (SRO), Ottawa Police Services, School Crossing Patrols; and with
designated staff of the Ottawa Student Transportation Authority regarding the
appropriateness and location of patrol sites.
3.4 Principals shall consult with their school councils when considering student safety
patrols. Such issues as student maturity, safety, scheduling, important crossing
locations and liability (see 4.2 below) should be discussed at that time. The decision to
organize and train student safety patrols in accordance with Board Procedure
Appendix A to Report 24-116
-2- P.084.SCO
PR.612.SCO shall be made at the school level. Responsibility for the administration,
operation and daily supervision of the school’s safety patrol program shall rest with the
principal.
4.0 SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES
4.1 In accordance with Board Procedure PR.612.SCO, principals shall review the Student
Safety Patrol Program annually with the school’s SRO and the school council, with the
emphasis on safety and the appropriateness of continuing the program given the age of
the students involved, the number of students involved, and any other concerns that
may arise.
4.2 Approved, trained school safety patrols are volunteers serving their school in
accordance with the school’s direction, and shall be covered by the Board’s insurance
while carrying out their assigned duties.
5.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
Board Policy P.014.SCO: School Councils
Board Policy P.032.SCO: Safe Schools
Board Policy P.067.SCO: Volunteers
Board Policy P.127.TRA: Ottawa Student Transportation Authority
Board Procedure PR.555.SCO: Volunteers
Board Procedure PR.612.SCO: Student Safety Patrols