HomeMy WebLinkAbout51. Report 24-120 Rescission of Policy P.042.SCO Reports of Strangers.pdf
Rescission of Policy P.042.SCO Page 1
POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE 12 DECEMBER 2024
Report No 24-120
RESCISSION OF POLICY P.042.SCO GUIDELINES FOR DEALING
WITH REPORTS OF STRANGERS APPROACHING STUDENTS
Key Contact: AJ Keene, Superintendent of Education,
613-596-8211 ext. 8391
PURPOSE:
1. To seek approval for the rescission of Policy P.042.SCO, Guidelines for Dealing with
Reports of Strangers Approaching Students.
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rescinded because it is no longer relevant, required, or could be combined with another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 In this case, staff are recommending the policy is rescinded on the basis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. Policy P.042.SCO is no longer relevant as other policies and procedures
have been introduced/revised since its inception that better address the goals of the
policy.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS:
4. Development of Policy P.042.SCO
Policy P.042.SCO was introduced in May of 1998 and has not been revised since.
The policy was introduced to establish principles and directives for schools to
provide a safe environment and to respond when a child is approached by a
stranger.
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, there are
many other measures and guidelines in place to ensure the safety of students and
management of strangers in schools. These measures and guidelines live in other
policies and procedures, and are also reflected in changes to societal norms and
practice (e.g. supervision procedures, physical safeguards in schools, easier means
to communicate or report strangers to schools, police and community). As such,
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.042.SCO, Guidelines for Dealing with Reports of Strangers
Approaching Students be rescinded.
________________________ ________________________
AJ Keene, Pino Buffone,
Superintendent Education Director of Education and
Secretary of the Board
Appendix A: Policy P.042.SCO, Guidelines for Dealing with Reports of Strangers
Approaching Students
-1- P.042.SCO
POLICY P.042.SCO
TITLE: GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH REPORTS OF STRANGERS
APPROACHING STUDENTS
Date Issued: 15 May 1998
Last Revised:
Authorization: Board: 11 May 1998
1.0 OBJECTIVE
To ensure that the Board provides a safe environment and responds in a timely and effective
manner when a child is approached by a stranger in and around schools.
2.0 POLICY
2.1 In ensuring the safety of students, the Board shall:
a) maintain appropriate supervision in all schools and at school-sponsored events;
b) support a comprehensive personal safety curriculum from primary to intermediate
grades; and
c) maintain a close working relationship with the Ottawa -Carleton Regional Police
and the Ontario Provincial Police.
3.0 REFERENCES
Board Procedure PR.532.SCO: Guidelines for Dealing with Reports of Strangers Approaching
Students