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Annual Notifications

We are required to provide the following notifications to families and the community on an annual basis.

Annual Fire Inspection

In accordance with New York education law, Guilderland Central School District is required to publish a public notice of the filing of its annual fire inspection report within 20 days of filing it with the New York State Education Department (NYSED). It must be published at least once in the designated official newspaper of the district or a newspaper in general circulation for its postal area. For more information on annual fire inspection notices, please contact the district clerk at 518-456-6200, ext. 0125.

Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)

All parents or legal guardians have the right to obtain the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) quality ratings and composite effectiveness scores for their child’s current teacher(s) and principal(s) once the scores are officially available in accordance with state law. To request the form, please contact the building principal of the school the child attends.

Get more information about GCSD APPR

Asbestos Management Plan

In accordance with the EPA’s Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) of 1987 (40 CFR Part 763), the school district is required to give annual notification stating that the Asbestos Management Plan for each building is available for public review. The plan is currently kept in the Safety Office of the Operations and Maintenance Department. These records are available for review during normal school business hours.

In addition, in accordance with this act, a six-month periodic surveillance is conducted in each building that contains asbestos. Before the start of any project we will make sure all building occupants are properly notified and all signage will indicate the scope of the project. For more information, please contact Assistant Superintendent for Business and LEA Asbestos Designee Andrew Van Alstyne at 518-456-1152 ext. 0125.

Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening

New York State requires schools to track each student’s Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight status category as part of school health examinations for students in grades 2, 4, 7 and 10. Every year, the New York State Department of Health will survey some schools for the number of pupils in each of six possible weight status categories. If the district is surveyed by the state, the district will share summary group data only, and will not share individual names or information. Parents who wish to exclude their child’s data from such group calculations must contact their child’s school nurse in writing.

Child Abuse Hotline Notification

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department. Information about reporting child abuse and maltreatment (neglect) is available online at the Office of Children and Family Services website.

Continuity of Operations

New York state requires school districts to develop a continuity of operations plan and make it available. The Guilderland Central School District is providing the following plan so stakeholders are aware of the district’s plans in the event of an ongoing public health emergency involving communicable disease. Visit the GCSD Continuity of Operations Plan.

Data Privacy and Security

The district is committed to ensuring student privacy in accordance with local, state and federal regulations and district policies. Visit the GCSD Educational Technology, Education Law 2D page for more information. 

The New York State Law gives parents and guardians the right to information about how the Guilderland Central School District safeguarding student and staff data.

If at any time the district learns that student and/or teacher/principal data has been compromised, parents and guardians will be notified, and the data breach will be reported to the state Education Department. Parents who have concerns or complaints about data privacy or security may file a complaint by contacting David Howell, Data Protection Officer, GSCD, PO Box 18, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085, (518) 456-6200; or dpo@guilderlandschools.net

Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)

The Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) seeks to provide New York students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function. Some of the law requirements include: establishing anti-harassment and discrimination policies, creating school training programs, and including a course in civility, citizenship and character education in the curriculum for every grade level. Learn more about DASA.

Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act

The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act took effect on July 1, 2022 and was written to promote safe interscholastic athletics participation and to prevent incidents of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in student athletes. The law requires school districts to provide information to parents/guardians of student athletes before the student participates in any interscholastic athletics. In addition, the law requires coaches and teachers who coach athletic activities to have a valid certificate of completion of a first aid knowledge and skills course by a nationally recognized organization. View more information about SCA and the Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act here.

Grade Promotion and Placement Policy

Decisions about student promotion and placement are at the discretion of the school administration. These decisions are guided by recommendations of teachers and staff members, past academic performance and parent/guardian input. Past academic performance refers to a variety of indicators of student achievement and growth. The district’s promotion and placement policy was adopted by the board of education following a review by the district administration and can be viewed here.

ESSA Complaint Procedures

New York State Education Department has created a process for resolving complaints alleging that a local educational agency (LEA), grantee or NYSED has violated a law, rule, or regulation in the administration of any “covered Federal program” under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

These procedures offer parents and other stakeholders a process to file complaints and allow for the timely resolution of such complaints. A complainant may include any of the following: parents, public agencies, and other individuals or organizations.

To learn more about ESSA complaint procedures and how to file a complaint, please visit the NYSED website.

Facilities Use

Community use of district buildings is encouraged by the Board of Education. Fees are charged to defray associated expenses. Interested groups should make arrangements by contacting Kelly Cordi at (518) 456-6010 ext. 2010 (field and gym use) or the appropriate school building main office (building and room use). Since facilities are used extensively by many groups, requests should be made early. Liability insurance coverage is required.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides parents/guardians and students who are 18 years of age or older (known as “eligible students“) with certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. Parents/guardians and eligible students have the right to:

  • Inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day a request for access is received by the school. These requests should be submitted to Office of the Superintendent at Guilderland Central School District Office, 8 School Road, P.O. Box 18, Guilderland Center, NY 12085, 518-456-6200, ext. 0102;
  • Request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent/guardian or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights;
  • Provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent as outlined below;
  • File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202.

Freedom of Information Law

For access to the Guilderland Central School District’s records under the NYS Freedom of Information Law, please contact the Human Resources department. Reach the Records Officer, Regan Johnson, by mail at GSCD, PO Box 18, 8 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085; by emailing his confidential secretary at teneyckk@guilderlandschools.net or in person by visiting the GCSD district office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There may be fees associated with a records request.

Requests should state that information is being sought under the Freedom of Information Law and provide a brief description of the public records requested. Please be as specific as possible (i.e. relevant dates, names, descriptions, etc.).

The district will acknowledge receipt of any FOIL requests within five business days. The nature of the request will determine how quickly the information can be provided.

For more information regarding Guilderland Central School District records requests, contact the Records Officer using the above contact information.

Internet & Computer Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

The Board of Education is committed to the optimization of student learning and teaching. The Board considers computers to be a valuable tool for education and encourages the use of computers and computer-related technology in district classrooms. The Board encourages computer use as an integral part of the curriculum, and the Board believes that the use of software applications, online databases, online course materials, appropriate interactive curriculum-based web applications, web and video-conferencing, and internet research tools significantly enhance a student’s educational experience.

Visit the Computer Acceptable Use Policy page for more info.

Latex Allergy Alert

Latex allergy is dramatically on the rise. In fact, some of our students are severely allergic to all forms of latex products which in this case can be life-threatening. Exposure at even very low levels can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitized individuals, leading to serious respiratory side effects such as runny nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, breathing difficulty, coughing spells and wheezing.

It is unrealistic for the district to be able to ban latex from being brought into all of our school buildings. We recognize that it is difficult, if not impossible, to completely avoid all latex allergy-causing products because they can be hidden or accidentally introduced. Instead of a ban, school employees need to cooperatively form a safety net around those children at risk. Knowledge about latex containing products among school personnel, students and parents is a key factor for reducing the risk of a severe latex reaction. Staff should become aware of products containing latex and to use alternatives whenever possible.

  • Latex-containing products (partial list): Balloons, surgical gloves, band-aids, rubber bands, pencil erasers, some shoes and articles of clothing, art supplies, and certain sporting equipment such as tennis balls.
  • Possible substitutes for latex-containing products: In some cases, mylar can be used as a substitute for latex (i.e., balloons). Vinyl or non-latex disposable gloves should be used in science labs and spill kits. Also, vinyl erasers should be used as an alternative to unidentified pencil erasers. Non-latex gloves should be used throughout the school. Non-latex medical supplies should be used. Barriers need to be provided between skin and any latex product if no alternative is available (i.e., gym floors and mats).

The school nurse in each building will take a lead role so that everyone understands what products can cause a latex allergy, what the symptoms of an allergic reaction are, what action to take, and where medications are stored. The school nurse will develop a system of identifying children with life-threatening allergies and be prepared to deal with allergic reactions that may occur despite precautions.

New York State Report Card

New York State Education Law requires school districts to make report card and accountability report information available on district websites. Click here to view the report card.

“No Idling” Policy

BOE policy: 8440

The Board of Education recognizes the need to promote the health and safety of students and staff and to protect the environment from harmful emissions found in bus exhaust, in particular diesel exhaust, by eliminating the unnecessary idling of all school buses on school property including all schools within the district or at any school or school-related activities to which district students are transported. For purposes of this policy, an “idling school bus” shall mean a school bus that is parked or stopped at a school or other location and has its engine running. This policy applies to the operation of every district-owned and/or contracted school bus as well as other district-owned vehicles (i.e., maintenance trucks). The district shall strive to eliminate all unnecessary idling of school buses and district-owned vehicles such that idling time is minimized in all aspects of the operation.

State education law now requires that all school districts ensure that every driver of a school bus or other school vehicle turn off the engine of the vehicle while waiting for passengers to load or offload. The law provides for certain exceptions when necessary for heating, mechanical or emergency circumstances.

Non-Discrimination Policy/Equal Opportunity Policy

Title IX of the federal government’s education amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, race, national origin, creed, age, or handicap as defined by law in education programs benefiting from federal assistance. The district complies with the Title IX provisions in its educational programs and activities.

New York’s Dignity for All Students Act and Guilderland Central School District’s Board of Education policy #5010 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, gender, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, military status or marital status and will not tolerate any form of unlawful discrimination or harassment. Any parent, student or district employee who believes they have been discriminated against based upon race, color, gender, creed, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, military status or marital status should contact one of the district’s Title IX Compliance Officers: Regan Johnson, at 518-456-6200 ext. 0117 or Dr. Andrew Van Alstyne, at 518-456-6200 ext. 0125.

Notification of Releases of Level 3 sex Offenders

BOE policy: 5450.1, adopted February 7, 2006

The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its students with respect to the notification of parents and staff regarding the release from prison of sex offenders who then choose to reside within school district boundaries. The Board of Education acknowledges the efforts of the New York State Division of Parole, the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and local law enforcement agencies to inform the district when persons with a history of sex offenses against children are being paroled into the community. The purpose of such notification is to enlist the assistance of district personnel in identifying such persons so that the Division and local law enforcement personnel may act to prevent any new criminal activity. The district shall cooperate with the police and parole agencies in this endeavor.

The Board directs the Superintendent of Schools to ensure the dissemination of any identifying information provided by the Division of Parole and local law enforcement agencies regarding level 3 sex offenders only to parents and employees. The list of employees receiving the information will include teachers, administrators, supervisors, bus drivers, monitors, security personnel, teaching assistants, office staff, coaches, etc. Staff members shall notify their supervisor or the principal immediately if they observe any suspicious person(s) in an area where children congregate. In turn, the supervisor or administrator shall be directed to contact law enforcement agencies, if a paroled sex offender is so observed.

The Superintendent of Schools shall notify parents of students about the release of level 3 sex offender information and remind them of the security measures and personal safety instruction provided at school.

The Superintendent shall establish any necessary regulations for implementing this policy with the advice of the school attorney.

Pesticide Application Notice

The district is required by law to maintain a list of staff and persons in parental relation who wish to receive forty-eight (48) hour prior written notification of pesticide applications at relevant facilities.

To register and be on the list, please download and complete the pesticide notification form, which can be found online or in the main office at each school building.

Project S.A.V.E. School Safety Plan

To address potential threats, the State of New York has enacted the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education (SAVE) Law. It was signed into law by Governor Pataki on July 24, 2000. Project SAVE is a comprehensive planning effort that addresses prevention, response, and recovery with respect to a variety of emergencies in each school district and its schools. 

The GCSD S.A.V.E. plans at the district and building levels represent collaborative efforts to prepare an all-encompassing program that ensures the safety and security of all students and staff. Read more about the GCSD Project S.A.V.E. plan.

Public Relations Use of Student Data/Photos

From time to time, school district officials may release student information (name, address, grade level, photograph, artwork, academic interest, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, terms of school attendance and graduation, awards received, future educational plans, etc.) for use in school district publications and within district websites and district social media sites, or to the media for public relations purposes.

Parents who object to the release of their child’s information and/or photograph should notify both their child’s building principal and the district’s communications office, attn. Patrice Vivirito, at 8 School Road, P.O. Box 18, Guilderland Center, NY 12085, in writing on or before September 15 in any school year.

Download and print the Photo Opt-Out form.

Please note: This practice pertains to district communications by the communications specialist. Principals, teachers and other school staff are also notified annually about opted-out students.

Release of Children From School

Board of Education policy provides for the release of children from school to authorized persons only. Each year, parents will be asked to designate, in writing, any persons so authorized.

Release of Student Information to Military Recruiters

Pursuant to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the district must disclose to military recruiters and institutions of higher learning, upon request, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of our high school juniors and seniors. However, parents or students may request, in writing, that the district not release such information. Parents, or students who are at least 18 years old, wishing to exercise their option to withhold their consent to the release of this information must contact the high school principal’s office by October 15 in any school year. You may use the following form to do so; it is attached here as a PDF document.

Teacher Qualifications

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, parents/guardians have the right to know the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers, including:

  • Whether a teacher has state certification for the grade levels and subjects he or she is teaching;
  • The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major and any other certifications or degrees; and
  • Whether their child receives services from paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

Parents/guardians may request their child’s classroom teacher’s professional qualifications by contacting their child’s school principal.

Title IX

It is the policy of the Guilderland Central School District to provide a learning and working environment that is safe, welcoming, and free from discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX requires the school district not to discriminate. View the district’s full harassment and non-discrimination policy. Reports of sexual harassment can be made at any time, including during non-business hours using the telephone number or e-mail address, or by mailing to the office address listed for the for the Title IX Coordinators:

Regan D. Johnson
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
(518) 456-6200 ext. 0117
johnsonr@guilderlandschools.net

Andrew Van Alstyne
Assistant Superintendent for Business
(518) 456-6200 ext. 0125
sandersn@guilderlandschools.net

Water Testing

In 2016 New York State became the first in the nation to require schools to test all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes for lead levels. Water samples are to be sent to a state-approved lab for analysis.  A second round of testing was required for 2020. In 2023 the law was amended, reducing the time frame for testing to every three years. Read more about water testing in GCSD schools.

Wellness Policy

The district is committed to developing healthy schools that support student learning and create an environment conducive to the health and well-being for faculty, staff and all students, while also supporting parents in accomplishing this goal. To that end, the Board of Education has adopted a policy that addresses: nutritional standards of foods and beverages sold on school grounds; physical education; extra-curricular activities; recess; emotional wellness; staff wellness; nutrition education and student awareness; community wellness and knowledge; and health education.

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