SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION

SEX OFFENDER NOTIFICATION

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility for the health and safety of the students enrolled within the district and for those youngsters receiving services or participating in programs or events on school district property.  Therefore, the Board is desirous of taking appropriate precautionary measures in situations where the district has been advised that a convicted sex offender resides within the district.  Pursuant to state law, the Connecticut Department of Public Safety is obligated to notify school superintendents whenever a sexual offender is released into the community or whenever a registrant changes such registrant’s address. 

Where school officials are advised that an individual convicted of a sexual offense resides within the school district, the district shall give notice in accordance herewith in an effort to minimize the possibility that the released and registered sex offender will come into contact with students within the district.  In addition, the Board believes that cooperation with local law enforcement officials will best promote and protect the safety and well-being of its students.

Whenever information is received that a registered sex offender is residing within the school district, such information will be disseminated to building principals for the purpose of confidentially informing school staff.

The Superintendent may also disseminate such information to such additional individuals or groups of individuals who, in the opinion of the Superintendent, have a legitimate need to be notified of such information in order to protect the health, safety or welfare of school district students. 

Any notification made pursuant to this policy listing the name(s) of registered sex offenders residing in the Meriden school district shall be in writing and shall include a statement that the school district does not warrant that the list or any other information contained therein is current or accurate.  Any information received regarding registered sex offenders shall be dated and kept on file in the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

In addition, school district personnel shall cross-reference the Connecticut Department of Public Safety’s sexual offender registry prior to hiring any new employee and prior to permitting a vo to work with students in any capacity.   Registration as a sexual offender constitutes grounds for denial of employment and/or volunteer opportunities in the Meriden Public Schools. 

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall provide training to appropriate staff members regarding the methods for accessing the sexual offender registry information posted on the Connecticut Department of Public Safety and the provisions of these regulations.     

Legal Reference:         Connecticut General Statutes

Public Act No. 98-111 -An Act Concerning the Registration of Sexual   Offenders

United States Code, Title 42

Conn. Gen. Stat. §54-258

14071 Jacob Wetterling Crimes Against Children and Sexually Violent Offender Registration Program Act

Approved:  April 28, 1981

Amended:  August 19, 2014

 Amended:  December 15, 2015

Previous Policy Number: ID2.9

 
Previous Policy Number: 3516.4