Waterford Public Schools pledges itself to avoid discriminatory actions and to foster good human educational relations which will help to ensure:
- Equal opportunity for all students to participate in the total program of the schools without regard to race, color, religious creed, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or physical disability.
- Continual study and development of curricula directed toward improved understanding and appreciation of cultural differences.
- Training opportunities to improve staff ability to be responsive to student educational and social needs.
It is the policy of the Board of Education that any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by state and federal law is prohibited. The Board's prohibition of discrimination or harassment in its educational programs or activities expressly extends to academic, nonacademic and extracurricular activities, including athletics.
Please see policy 5110 for more information.
Title VII / Title IX / Section 504
Waterford Public Schools provides a coordinator for Title VII, Title IX and Section 504, which deal with discrimination regarding race, sex equity, and handicap. The coordinator for the district is Assistant Superintendent Craig C. Powers, who may be reached at 860-444-5854.
Title IX Trainings
Title IX Coordinator, Investigator, Decision-Maker and Informal Resolution Facilitator Training - 2022-2023
Title IX Coordinator, Investigator, Decision-Maker and Informal Resolution Facilitator Training - 2021-2022
Harassment
It is the policy of the Waterford Board of Education that any form of sex discrimination or sexual harassment is prohibited, whether by students, Board employees or third parties subject to the control of the Board. Students, Board employees and third parties are expected to adhere to a standard of conduct that is respectful of the rights of students. Any student or employee who engages in conduct prohibited by this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action. Other members of the school community may face criminal sanctions or exclusion from school property.
Please see policy 5170 for more information and corresponding regulation.
Bullying / Cyberbullying
The Waterford Board of Education is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free from bullying, harassment and discrimination. In accordance with state law and the Board’s Safe School Climate Plan, the Board expressly prohibits any form of bullying behavior on school grounds; at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program, whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop; on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education; or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by Board of Education.
The Board also prohibits any form of bullying behavior outside of the school setting if such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school. Discrimination and/or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying is likewise prohibited.
The Safe School Climate Coordinator for the district is Assistant Superintendent Craig C. Powers, who can be reached at 860-444-5854. Please click on the individual schools to see their specific Safe School Climate Plans: Great Neck Elementary School, Oswegatchie Elementary School, Quaker Hill Elementary School, Clark Lane Middle School & Waterford High School.
Please see policy 5020 for more information and corresponding regulation.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (commonly referred to as “Section 504”) is a nondiscrimination statute enacted by the United States Congress. The purpose of Section 504 is to prohibit discrimination and to assure that disabled students have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to nondisabled students. Please click here for a detailed description of parent rights under Section 504.
The Section 504 Coordinator for the district is Assistant Superintendent Craig C. Powers, who can be reached at 860-444-5854.
For additional information, please view our Annual Notification Manual.
All Board of Education policies and regulations are located here.