Facility and Transportation Safety

It is the policy of the West Lafayette Community School Corporation to take every reasonable  precaution for the safety of all members of the school community, including, but not limited to, students, employees, visitors, and patrons. The School Board believes that safety is important both as a protective measure and as an instructional means of developing an appropriate mode of behavior to minimize accidents, injuries, and other harm to individuals at all times. 

The Superintendent is directed to fully execute this policy, providing a comprehensive program to meet the needs of the Corporation. 

FACILITY SAFETY 

As authorized by law, the Superintendent may prohibit individuals from entering Corporation property or attending Corporation events when the Superintendent determines that such an action is necessary to prevent disruption of school operations. The Superintendent is authorized to refer to law enforcement and recommend prosecution where an individual does not comply with such prohibition. The Superintendent is further authorized to remove individuals from Corporation property, to refer to law enforcement, and recommend prosecution of individuals who knowingly or negligently damage property or expose persons to the risk of harm in the course of Corporation activities.  

The Corporation may conduct audio or video monitoring and surveillance on Corporation property and in Corporation vehicles at any time, and in accordance with applicable law. The Superintendent is authorized to install metal detectors, video and audio monitoring equipment, and any other legally-permitted security device to address prohibited items (such as drugs and  weapons) on school property and protect the health, welfare, and safety of the school community.  

The Superintendent shall assure that all safety plans and drills required by law and regulation are  completed in full compliance with such laws and regulations. 

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY 

School bus drivers must always be mindful of the safety of all students in their care. Pursuant to  I.C. 9-21-12-20, when a school bus is operated on a U.S. route or state route, the driver may not  load or unload a student at a location that requires the student to cross a roadway unless no other safe alternatives are available (unless the location is on a U.S. route or state route within the  boundary of a city or town). When a school bus is operated on a street or highway other than a U.S. route or state route, the driver shall load and unload a student as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway as practicable. 

If a school bus driver must load or unload an elementary school student at a location that requires the student to cross a roadway that is a U.S. route or state route (unless the location is on a U.S. route or state route within the boundary of a city or town), the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee shall present the school bus route to the School Board for approval. 

The Superintendent is authorized to develop administrative guidelines to implement this policy. 

I.C. 20-26-5-4(2) and (4) 

I.C. 20-33-8-1 et seq. 

I.C. 20-18-2-4 

I.C. 9-21-12-20.5 

West Lafayette Community School Corporation 

Adopted: January 12, 2026

Revised: [date]