JJA-R – Student Organizations (Secondary Schools)

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  1. Procedures for the Operation of Student Organizations
    1. The principal shall review the weekly school calendar and indicate when time and space are available for meetings of student organizations so that the meetings will not interfere with the regular educational activities of the school.
    2. General information about the time periods available for student meetings shall be made available to students upon request.
    3. Students seeking permission to meet on school premises during noninstructional time must complete a form available in the principal's or his/her designee's office indicating the name of the organization (if any), the nature of the organization, the purpose of the meeting, the time and place of the meeting, and the name of the staff member serving as a faculty sponsor.
    4. Upon reviewing this information, the principal or designee shall schedule the meeting if time and space are available.
    5. The principal shall verify that the students requesting permission for a meeting have made arrangements for a faculty sponsor and obtain whatever assurances are deemed necessary to see that the meeting is appropriately supervised.
    6. The principal shall provide a fair opportunity to any students requesting permission to meet on school premises so long as time and space are available.
    7. If a meeting request is denied by the principal, the principal shall inform the students of the reason for the denial. The students shall be given an opportunity to request a review of the principal's decision by the Superintendent by requesting a review in writing within fifteen (15) days of the denial of the request. The Superintendent or his or her designee shall review the appeal and such other information as he or she considers appropriate and provide a written decision within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Superintendent shall be final.
    8. Any student organization that creates disruption or interferes with the educational program may lose the right to meet in school facilities as well as the right to use the public address system, the right to post announcements/bulletins, or have use of school publications.
  2. Review and Termination of Student Organizations
The principal is encouraged to periodically review the activities and purposes of student organizations. The principal may revoke recognition of any student organization at any time upon his or her own initiative or on written complaint by any student or staff member if law, policy, or regulations have been violated or for other good cause. Revocation may be appealed to the Superintendent or designee. At any time, the Superintendent may review the recognition of any student organization and revoke the same for good cause. Grounds for termination for good cause include but are not limited to the following factors:
    1. Lack of participation;
    2. Lack of faculty sponsor;
    3. Costs to the District to maintain the program;
    4. Reduction in school budgets;
    5. Disruptive activities by the organization or organization members thereof;
    6. Interference or conflicts with school-related activities.
  2. Application Requirements and Approval for Curriculum-Related Student Organizations
Curriculum-related student organizations may be proposed by either students or a school employee. School employees are asked to confer with the building principal regarding appropriate recognition and organization steps. Any student group seeking recognition as a student organization shall submit a written application to the principal. Applications shall be made on District approved forms only and shall include at least the following information:
    1. Name of the organization;
    2. Name(s) of the proposed staff sponsor(s), if possible;
    3. A general statement of the purposes and activities of the organization;
    4. A description of the qualifications for membership, if any;
    5. A statement of the relation of the organization to the school. This shall include specific reference to classes or programs which the organization is intended to supplement. A description of how the organization will serve as an extension of or adjunct to the curriculum must be included;
    6. A description of the function of the faculty sponsor in the promotion, supervision, and leadership of the organization. However, the principal shall have final authority in determining the role of the faculty sponsor.
Certain school activities are considered to be a part of the school program and are not required to request recognition when operating under the direction of the principal. These include:
  • School yearbook
  • School newspaper
  • Choirs and choruses
  • Bands, orchestra, and related ensemble
  • Forensics, radio, and thespians
  • Plays and musicals
  • Pep clubs and cheerleaders
  • Student council
  • Vocational education clubs
  • National Honor Society
  • Athletics and intramurals
  • Formal grade level class organizations
  • Substance abuse and substance counseling groups
  • Outdoor and environmental education
The principal or designee shall review the application and such other information as he or she considers appropriate, including student or staff committees and councils, and organizations within fifteen (15) school days after receipt of the application. An organization is directly curriculum related if one or more of the following apply:
    1. The subject matter of the organization is actually taught, or will soon be taught, in a regularly offered course;
    2. The subject matter of the organization concerns the body of courses as a whole;
    3. Participation in the organization is required for a particular course; or
    4. Participation in the organization results in academic credit.
The principal or designee's decision shall be in writing and if the application is disapproved, the reasons for disapproval shall be stated.
  1. Appeals Process for Curriculum-Related Student Organizations
The principal or designee's decision may be appealed to the Superintendent of Schools, or designee, by written appeal submitted to the Superintendent within fifteen (15) school days after receipt of the principal's decision. The written appeal shall state the reasons for the appeal and shall enclose copies of the application for the principal's decision. The Superintendent, or designee, shall review the appeal and such other information as he or she considers appropriate and give a written decision within fifteen (15) school days after receipt of the appeal. Adoption Date: December 09, 2019
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