Official Notices

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that is designated to eliminate disability discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds.

The district shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities program without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity, marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to all outside youth groups. District programs shall be free from sexual harassment.

For more information, check the resources below or contact the 504 Coordinator and Equity Coordinator for the Richland School District, Shaun Tjossem, at 607-647-6106. 

Your Child's Education

Your child has the right to:

• Receive a free and appropriate public education.
• Participate in and benefit from the district’s educational programs without discrimination.
• Be provided an equal opportunity to participate in the district’s nonacademic and extracurricular activities.
• Be educated with students who do not have disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.
• Be educated in facilities and receive services that are comparable to those provided to students without disabilities.
• Receive accommodations and/or related aids and services to allow your child an equal opportunity to participate in school activities.
• Receive educational and related aids and services without cost, except for those fees imposed on the parents of children without disabilities.
• Receive special education services if needed.

Your Child's Educational Records

You have the right to:

• Review your child’s educational records and to receive copies at a reasonable cost. You will not be charged if the cost would keep you from reviewing the records.
• Ask the district to change your child’s education records if you believe that they are wrong, misleading, or are otherwise in violation of your child’s privacy rights. If the district refuses this request, you have the right to challenge the refusal by requesting an impartial hearing.
• A response to your reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of your child’s education records.

The Section 504 Process

• Your child has the right to an evaluation before the school determines if he or she is eligible under Section 504. You have the right to:
• Receive notice before the district takes any action regarding the identification, evaluation, and placement of your child.
• Have evaluation and placement decisions made by a group of persons, often called a “504 team”, including persons who know your child, the meaning of the evaluation information, and the placement options available.
• Have evaluation decisions based on a variety of sources, such as aptitude and achievement tests, teacher recommendations, physical conditions, medical records, and parental observations.
• Refuse consent for the initial evaluation and initial placement of your child.
• If your child is eligible under Section 504, your child has a right to periodic re-evaluations, including re-evaluations before any significant change is made in your child’s placement.

If You Disagree With The District's Decision

If you disagree with the district’s decisions regarding your child’s identification, evaluation, educational program, or placement under Section 504, you may request mediation or an impartial due process hearing. You and your child have the right to take part in the hearing and have an attorney represent you. Hearing requests and other concerns can be made to your district’s Section 504 Coordinator:

You have the right to file a complaint of discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or to file a complaint in federal court. Generally, an OCR complaint may be filed within 180 calendar days of the act that you believe was discriminatory.

Website

It is important for students to attend school every day. Absent or late students miss valuable instructional time and may miss out on opportunities such as field trips or college/career exploration events. Families are encouraged to not schedule appointments, vacations or other events at times that would cause students to miss school. Research shows that any type of absence, excused or unexcused, dramatically decreases a student’s chance of graduating on time.

Remember, if your child is going to be absent, let your school know as soon as possible. Call, email or send a note to the school to let them know about the absence and ask for make-up work for your child.

Students who have multiple absences may require additional interventions. You may be asked to come to the school for a conference to discuss ways to get your child to school on time every day. In some instances when students have multiple unexcused absences, the district may be required to file a truancy petition with Richland County, and a judge may require your child to attend school or to participate in other activities such as counseling. Our student handbook gives information on what counts as an excused absence, and gives more details on what happens if your child has too many unexcused absences.

The Richland School District uses automated telephone calls, emails and text messages to share emergency and education-related information with our families. The messages that you receive from the District are not for marketing, commercial or political purposes. By providing your contact information, you consent to receiving automated messages. You also agree to provide the District with updated contact information when any of the information changes. If you prefer not to receive phone calls, text messages or emails, please contact your school office to opt-out. Please remember, we need to be able to reach you in case of an emergency.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires each state to identify an Ombudsperson to work with private schools and public school districts to ensure equitable services are appropriately provided. DPI has contracted with the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS) to be Wisconsin’s Ombudsman. All equitable service inquiries should be directed to essaombudsman@dpi.wi.gov.

https://dpi.wi.gov/esea/ombudsman

The Richland School District cares about internet safety for all students. There are many resources available for parents, teachers and the community. See more about Internet Safety here. 

BULLYING OVER THE INTERNET: 

STUDENTS

• Don't respond if someone is bullying you or your friends electronically--tell your parent, an adult at school, or a person you trust.
• Tell an adult if you receive messages that make you feel uncomfortable, are cruel or are designed to hurt you or someone else.
• Don't share information online that could be embarrassing.
• Don't share personal information, such as your name, age, address or phone number.

PARENTS

• Save or print inappropriate messages and pictures your child shares with you--they are evidence and important to any action you take in the future.
• Contact your internet service provider and file a complaint if you receive messages or images that you think violate the Terms and Conditions of your contract.
• Contact the school if your child is being bullied, harassed or intimidated online by another student.
• If you child is accused of cyberbullying, seek help from your internet provider, your school and, if indicated, professional counseling.
• Contact the police if your child receives violent threats or pornography over the internet.
• Contact the police if your child receives obscene or harassing phone calls or text messages. 
• Consider using filters that block inappropriate internet sites.

CYBER TIPS FOR TEENS

The internet can be a great research tool and a fun way to keep in touch with friends and family, but going online also presents some possible dangers. Remember: 

NOTHING IS PRIVATE

• Think about what you type. Never share your personal information, such as name, address, phone number, pictures or the name of your school online.
• Emails can be forwarded with the click of a mouse. Remember that any personal information you send to someone could be sent to other people very quickly.

BE SMART

• Never make plans to meet an online "friend" in person without first checking with your parent/guardian. If your parent/guardian is OK with the idea, bring him or her along and make the meeting in a public place.
• Remember, no matter how friendly and fun someone seems online, they may be completely different in real life.
• Your online behavior is your responsibility. Don't harass or bully, and don't respond when someone else tries to pick an online fight.
•  

WHEN TO TELL

• If you encounter someone or something online that makes you uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult right away! The adult can view the information and decide whether to report to law enforcement.
• "Grooming" is when an adult goes online to meet young people with the intention of establishing an inappropriate relationship. If you suspect that you or someone you know is the target of grooming, tell a trusted adult immediately.
• If something online seems "too good to be true," it probably is. If you receive any offers that involve going to a meeting, having someone visit your house, or spending money or sharing credit card information, tell your parent or guardian.

CYBER TIPS FOR PARENTS

One out of five teens is sexually solicited online each year. There are specific things you can do to help keep your own teens safe. Start by getting involved! Educate yourself on how the internet works and keep tabs on your child's computer use.

TEACH

• Create a written internet safety plan. Set rules for internet and email use. Include specific strategies for what your teen will do if they are sexually solicited online, or if they are frightened by an online encounter. Sign the plan and post it near the computer.
• Remind your teen not to disclose personal information online.Draft a list together of what not to share, including name, age, school, phone number, home address and photos. Talk frequently to your teen. 
• Discuss their online friends just as you talk about their other friends.

MONITOR

• Keep the computer in a common area of the house. This makes it easier to monitor computer use.
• Ask your teen to tell you right away about any uncomfortable online experience, with assurances that you will not be angry if he or she confides in you.
• Consider filtering or monitoring software. While they can help you control your teen's online use, these tools are no substitute for parental involvement and supervision.
• Be aware. Your teen might be using computers at school, public libraries and friends' homes.

REPORT

• Know the signs of grooming. Grooming is when someone initiates online contact with a young person with the intention of establishing a sexual relationship.
• If you suspect online grooming of your teen or of any other child, report it to your local law enforcement agency.

The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children or unaccompanied youth as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, which includes:

• Families doubled up with friends or relatives due to loss of housing.
• Children living in motels, hotels, trailer parks and campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.
• Children living in emergency or transitional shelters.
• Children living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, and bus or train stations.

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children have a right to:

• Attend the school they last attended before they became homeless (school of origin) OR enroll in their neighborhood school.
• Immediate enrollment in school even if they lack required documents, such as school records, immunization records, or proof of residence.
• Free transportation to school of origin, when feasible.
• Free meals at school.
• Assistance for school fees, school supplies, and connecting to social service supports.

To access McKinney-Vento services, contact Lisa Goff, RSD’s Homelessness Liaison, at golf@richland.k12.wi.us or by calling the Richland Center Primary School and asking for Lisa Goff or visit our Crisis Resources page.

Medications Whenever possible, medications should be taken at home. If a student is taking medication at school, the medication should be kept in the office and a medication form is required to be filled out. The form needs to include the student's name and a doctor’s signature for permission to take medication at school. Parents must have a medication form signed for students to take over the counter medication. Medication must be in the original container for safety. 21 The Richland School District has Ibuprofen (Advil), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and cough drops/lozenges available in the high school office if the time comes when the student may need them. However, the parent/guardian authorization form must be on file before medication can be given. Forms are available in the school office.

The Board is committed to providing an equal educational opportunity for all students in the District.

The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including gender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability (Protected Classes) in any of its student program and activities. This policy is intended to support and promote nondiscriminatory practices in all District and school activities, particularly in the following areas:

1. use of objective bases for admission to any school, class, program, or activity;
2. prohibition of harassment towards students and procedures for the investigation of claims (see Policy 5517);
3. use of disciplinary authority, including suspension and expulsion authority;
4. administration of gifts, bequests, scholarships and other aids, benefits, or services to students from private agencies, organizations, or persons;
5. selection of instructional and library media materials in a nondiscriminatory manner and that reflect the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society;
6. design and implementation of student evaluation practices, materials, and tools, but not at the exclusion of implementing techniques to meet students' individual needs;
7. design and configuration of facilities;
8. opportunity for participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities provided that separate programs for male and female students may be available provided comparable activities are made available to all in terms of type, scope, and District support; and
9. the school lunch program and other school-sponsored food service programs.

The Board is also committed to equal employment opportunity in its employment policies and practices as they relate to students. The Board’s policies pertaining to employment practices can be found in Policy 1422, Policy 3122, and Policy 4122 - Nondiscrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity.

The District will identify, evaluate, and provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities who are determined eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504).

The District's educational programs include the academic and nonacademic setting. Each qualified student with a disability shall be educated with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. In the nonacademic setting, a student with a disability shall participate with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate.

Notice of the Board's policy on nondiscrimination and the identity of the District's Compliance Officer(s) (see below) will be published on the District's website, posted throughout the District, and included in the District's recruitment statements or general information publications.

Please see the full non-discrimination policy here. 

The Richland Observer serves as the newspaper of record for the Richland School District. The Richland Observer publishes official notifications required by law, including but not limited to:

• Notice of school board meetings
• Notice of public hearings
• Eligible Requests for Proposal (RFP)
• Notice of competitive bid

Special education forms and any required policies, procedures, evaluations, plans and reports are available to parents and other members of the public through the Richland School District’s Special Education office. Policies can also be found on the Board Policies section of our website.

Title IX Notice
NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICIES ON SEX DISCRIMINATION
As mandated by the current provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and under the regulations set forth in Chapter 106 of Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations (“the federal Title IX regulations”), the District does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that the District operates.  Title IX’s requirement not to discriminate in any education program or activity extends to cover, but is not limited to, District students, certain admissions processes, and District employment. Inquiries regarding how Title IX and the federal Title IX regulations apply to the District may be referred to a District Title IX Coordinator (as designated below), to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, or to both.  

The District’s commitment to nondiscrimination under Title IX and under other state and federal laws is further defined in the following policies of the School Board.

TITLE IX COORDINATOR
Shaun Tjossem, 1996 US 14W, PO Box 649, Richland Center, WI  53581
608-647-6106

REPORTING SEX DISCRIMINATION
Any person (including a person who is not claiming to have been personally harmed/victimized by the alleged discrimination) may report a concern or allegation regarding prohibited sex discrimination (including sexual harassment) to the District.  Such reports may be submitted as follows:

• To a District Title IX Coordinator, either in person, by U.S. mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed above.  In-person reports should be made when the Title IX Coordinator is reasonably available during regular working hours.  Reports submitted by telephone, mail, or electronic mail may be made at any time.
• By any other means that results in a Title IX Coordinator actually receiving the person's verbal or written report.

The following form can be used but is not required:  Discrimination or Harassment Complaint Form.
 

RESPONSE TO REPORTS AND COMPLAINTS OF SEX DISCRIMINATION
The District has established grievance/complaint procedures through which the District structures its response to reports that allege unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity of the District.

The purpose of such procedures is to provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of any report or complaint of alleged sex discrimination, excluding formal complaints of sexual harassment under Title IX (which are subject to a different process).

FILING FORMAL COMPLAINTS OF TITLE IX SEXUAL HARASSMENT
As required by the federal Title IX regulations, the District has established a formal grievance process for investigating and resolving formal complaints of sexual harassment, as those terms are defined in the regulations.

An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual harassment under the federal Title IX regulations (i.e., a Title IX “complainant”), or a parent or guardian who has a legal right to act on behalf of such an individual, may file a formal complaint of sexual harassment.  No Title IX complainant is obligated to file a formal complaint, but a qualifying formal complaint is necessary for the District to start an investigation using the District’s formal Title IX complaint (grievance) process. 

Complainants are expected to file formal complaints of sexual harassment with a District Title IX Coordinator by submitting a document or electronic submission in person, by U.S. mail, or by electronic mail, using the contact information specified above. 

The following form can be used but is not required:  Discrimination or Harassment Complaint Form. 

RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT UNDER TITLE IX
Any time that the District has actual knowledge of sexual harassment or allegations of sexual harassment that could constitute a violation of Title IX, the District has obligations to respond to such knowledge in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent and in a manner that treats the alleged victim(s) of sexual harassment and the alleged perpetrator(s) of sexual harassment equitably. Such a response includes, but is not limited to, offering supportive measures to a complainant and investigating and resolving any formal complaint that presents allegations of Title IX sexual harassment using the formal grievance/complaint process that the District has adopted for such formal complaints.

District procedures for responding to alleged sexual harassment under Title IX, including the formal grievance/complaint process, are set forth in board policy.

It is the intent of the Richland School District that the information on its website be accessible to individuals with disabilities in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 104, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and its implementing regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 35.

If you have difficulty accessing information on the District’s website due to a disability, please contact us at webmaster@richland.k12.wi.us and provide the URL (web address) of the material you tried to access, the problem you experienced and your contact information, including your name, email address and phone number, so that we can contact you and accommodate your needs.

Grievances can be filed with the District using the procedures established by the Richland School District Board of Education as outlined in the Administrative Regulations for Policy 545 (Pupil Nondiscrimination and Complaint Procedure). For more information or to obtain forms contact our District Office.

District Section 504 Coordinator:
Shaun Tjossem; tjos@richland.k12.wi.us; 608-647-6106; 1996 Hwy. 14 West, Richland Center, WI 53581

District Title II Coordinator:
TBA 608-647-6106; 1996 Hwy. 14 West, Richland Center, WI 53581

Translations of pages on the Richland School District website are performed by Google Translate. The results of software-based translation do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact. The Richland School District does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos, and other file formats. We hope you find the translations useful, if not completely accurate.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.