G150-R – REGISTERED SEX OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS

As defined by Indiana law, no Registered Sex Offender, Sexually Violent Predator, or Offender Against Children (hereinafter “sex offender”) is permitted on Franklin Township Community School Corporation (“Corporation”) property at any time unless required by law or with written authorization from the Superintendent or his or her designee. “School property” includes in any building owned or leased by the Corporation; on Corporation property or grounds (including parking lots, athletic facilities, etc.); in vehicles owned, leased, or operated by Corporation; and during Corporation events, even if held outside of Corporation property (for example, prom or field trips).

It shall be the responsibility of the individual to determine whether this policy applies to the individual and to assure that no violations are committed. This policy only applies to individuals who are required by Indiana Law to register with local law enforcement at the time they wish to enter school property. An individual who is not required to register, who is no longer required to register, or whose conviction has been expunged is not covered by this policy. Individuals who are in doubt about their adjudication or status as a sex offender should not come onto school property.

This provision shall not impose any duty, beyond obligations for employee background investigations, on the Corporation to review any sex offender registries or screen individuals coming on school property to determine if an individual is a sex offender. This provision only applies where Corporation personnel actually know or are aware that the individual in question is a sex offender. Further, the Corporation may refuse access to school visitors if the visitor agrees to a check of their driver’s license and a criminal background check – at the visitor’s expense.

In rare situations, exceptions may be made to allow sex offenders on school property. However, the Corporation makes no representation regarding the legality of any sex offender entering school property. Even when considering rare exceptions, the Corporation will explore options for the sex offender to participate in the activity without being physically present on school property, such as teleconferencing or online conferencing options. When balancing conflicting obligations to keep students safe from sex offenders and the obligation to allow sex offenders to participate in their child’s educational meetings, the safety of other students will take precedence.  If permitted on school property, a sex offender may come onto school property only for the exempted event and must leave immediately following the conclusion of the event. The school principal shall have discretion to require the sex offender to be chaperoned through the building by school personnel.

If a sex offender believes he or she needs to be on school property, he or she must contact the Superintendent or designee in writing three school days’ prior to the time they believe they need to be on school property. The Superintendent or designee will give a written reply, either approving or denying the individual’s request, prior to the meeting or event in question. If the petition is within two school days of the event, the Superintendent or designee may deny the request. The Superintendent or designee shall take all circumstances into account when determining whether to permit the sex offender to enter school property for the specifically petitioned event.

In general, an exception will not be made for a sex offender to vote in a public polling place on school property if there is another available polling place that is not on school property.

This prohibition applies to individuals who have been adjudicated to be sex offenders in another state or country that is substantially similar to the offenses defined by Indiana law, including child molesting, child exploitation, child solicitation, child seduction, kidnapping a victim less than eighteen years of age, or attempting to commit or conspiracy to commit one of these offenses.

If a school principal or his or her designee has reason to believe a sex offender is on school property, they shall direct the individual to leave the property immediately and shall notify local law enforcement. Employees who have reason to believe a sex offender is on school property should seek an administrator or supervisor first, but if an administrator or supervisor is unavailable, employees should contact law enforcement.

I.C. 11-8-8-4.5               Sex offender

I.C. 35-42-4-11   Offenders against children

I.C. 35-38-1-7.5  Sexually violent offenders

I.C. 11-8-8-7                  Registration with law enforcement authorities; jurisdiction; residency; photographs of offender; publication on Indiana sex offender registry web site; notification and distribution of information

I.C. 35-42-4-10 Unlawful employment near children by a sexual predator

I.C. 35-42-4-14   Serious sex offender

Adopted: 6/23/20