October 2, 2014 at 6:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Policy Subcommittee Meeting

CONCUSSION POLICY – P.A. 14-66:  AN ACT CONCERNING YOUTH ATHLETICS AND CONCUSSIONS  

P.A. 14-66: An Act Concerning Youth Athletics and Concussions require districts to develop concussion policies.  Specifically, the law indicates the following actions are taken:                                        

To be implemented by July 1, 2014: 

• Qualified school employee must (1) provide notice within 24 hours after removing the student and (2) make reasonable effort to provide the notice immediately after the student is removed when a student is removed from an athletic activity for a concussion or suspected concussion.
• Collect and report (1) the nature and extent of the concussion and (2) circumstances in which the student substantiated it.

To be implemented July 2015: 

• SBE to develop an informed consent form on concussions for parents of student athletes.
• Districts to provide the form to parents and obtain their consent authorizing the student to participate in the athletic activity.
• Implement a concussion education plan.
• Prohibit students from participating in athletic activities unless the student and his/her parents meet the requirements of the plan.
• Annual training for coaches.

The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC), developed a protocol for informed consent and recommended implementation for the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.  Bethel Public Schools has implemented the consent form and all protocols.  You will note, that the concussion consent form outlines the symptoms of concussions, the protocols for concussion management, protocols for return to participation and general information about head injuries.   Coaches have already begun the annual training and coaches of football have received additional training.   Our Health Coordinator, Ms. Avery has been working with her colleagues across the state to understand the legislation and ensure the district compliance. 

Bethel currently does not have a policy regarding concussions.  I have reviewed the CABE’s model policy, making adjustments (notated through strikeouts and highlights), which is include in your packet.  Please note, the consent form, which is not part of policy may be adjusted given the State Department of Education guidance and release of a concussion education plan, which may include having parents take courses on the impact of concussions.  I have discussed the changes with our council at Shipman and Goodwin.    

FUNDRAISING 2013-2014

In my transitions to Bethel Public Schools, as I met with various stakeholders, there were multiple concerns with fundraising activities.   The following is a synthesis of key issues that exist with fundraising activities and should be considered as the Bethel Board of Education develops a fundraising policy: 

There currently is no approval process for fundraising activities.  This makes it difficult to regulate fundraising across the district and determine the purpose of the fundraising activities. 

Local businesses are constantly being solicited, not only in monetary support, but non-cash gifts (i.e., gift cards, donations for raffles, etc.). The businesses are not always clear which are district-sponsored fundraisers. 

There is not always clear communication of the purpose of the fundraising activities. 

There is a concern that there may be mandatory fundraising activities.

None of our Booster clubs have a 501(c) 3 status.

Fundraising activities not only benefit the schools directly but also support charitable organizations, scholarships and events (Prom Night, ROTC Ball, etc.).  

Parents have raised concerns that they are constantly being asked to participate in or give money to fundraising activities. 

All of the following groups have 501(c)3 status:

All Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO)

The Bethel Education Foundation

The following organizations that fundraise on behalf of the Bethel Public Schools do not have 501(c) 3 status:

ROTC Booster

All Sports Booster

Band Booster

In time for the meeting, it was difficult to get the information from all groups to determine the exact amount of monies raised to benefit the school.  I was able to obtain an overview of the purpose of money raised:

Berry School:  Books for Media Center; Teacher Requests. 

Rockwell School:  Books for Media Center; Teacher Requests; Charitable Donations.

Johnson School:  Playground Equipment; Signage; Teacher Break-room Upgrade.

BMS:  Teacher Requests.

ROTC: Supplies; Field Trips; Ball.

BHS:  Scholarships; Post Prom Party; Field Trips; Donation to Charitable Organizations; Weight Room Upgrades; Teacher Recognition; Support of Musical Productions.

In addition to fundraising at the school level, the Bethel Education Foundation issued the following grants to the Bethel Public Schools and St. Mary’s School: 

Bethel Education Foundation Grants 

In reviewing the sample policies from CABE with Ms. Yonsky, we both feel that the policy from Waterford Public Schools provides the most structure to what a policy should include, but will need to be adapted to the needs of Bethel Public Schools. 

We should also consider the hard work and support of our parents and organizations that raise monies on behalf of the Bethel Public Schools.  We want to provide for them a voice in the policy development.  The committee might want to provide a vehicle for input.