Policy 9270 – Student Assault and/or Battery on Employees

It is a violation of this policy for any student to assault and/or batter a HCPSS employee or service provider at any HCPSS school-sponsored event and/or on any HCPSS school property.

Upon receipt of an oral/written report on a suspected policy violation, the school administrators will promptly acknowledge the report and begin a thorough investigation to include an interview and statement with the alleged accused, targeted individual, and witness(es) in accordance with Policy 9200 Student Discipline.

Any student disciplinary action taken as a result of a violation of this policy will be administered in accordance with the HCPSS Student Code of Conduct and Policy 9200 Student Discipline.

If a student has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), has a Section 504 Plan, or receives other special education services, procedures consistent with COMAR 13A.08.01.11 and Policy 9200 Student Discipline Implementation Procedures must be followed.

The targeted individual will be provided information to access the Employee Assistance Program.

The targeted individual will be informed of the outcome of the investigation by the school administrator who conducted the investigation in accordance with Policy 9200 Student Discipline.

The policy regarding an assault and/or battery by a student on a HCPSS employee or service provider will be made known to students, parents, and employees at the beginning of each school year and when deemed necessary by the principal.

The Superintendent/designee will publish information on the standards and consequences of this policy.

Principals will disseminate information on the standards and consequences of this policy at their school.

Administrators will investigate reports of a student assault and/or battery on HCPSS employees at their school.

Assault – Any attempt or threat to inflict harm upon another person that gives the targeted individual a reasonable fear of physical harm. An assault may be communicated in a behavioral, oral, written, or electronic manner.

Battery means:

HCPSS Employee – Any individual who is a permanent or temporary employee of the HCPSS whose compensation is paid in whole or part by the Board, including but not limited to, school-based administrators, teachers, substitute teachers, paraeducators, and other school-based and Central Office support staff.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) – A written description of the special education and related services for a student with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised by the student’s IEP Team.

Parent – Any one of the following, recognized as the adult(s) legally responsible for the student:

School Property – Any property owned or leased by the HCPSS or used by HCPSS for school-related activities. The concept of property extends to school activities such as field trips, use of parks and recreation facilities, proms at hotels, etc. School buses, school bus stops, and facilities scheduled by the school system for student use are considered an extension of school property.

School-Sponsored Event – An activity, event, or meeting developed or organized by the HCPSS, with the knowledge and approval of the associated school principal, that is under the direction and control of an authorized HCPSS employee working within the scope of one’s duties, where the HCPSS assumes full responsibility and liability for the program, event, or action. 

Section 504 Plan – A written document developed for an eligible student that allows the student to receive a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Service Provider – An individual who provides services to the HCPSS, either through contract, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or volunteer service, when those services involve access to students and employees, such as substitute teachers, mentors, chaperones, bus drivers, and individuals who participate in committees, advisory groups, and partnership programs.