School Policy

Assignment: (Case Study–“The Twenty Dollar Bill”)
Overview
“The Twenty Dollar Bill”
Debbie Mason stood in the hallway facing Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Hall. In her 2 years as assistant principal of Ridgewood Elementary School, Debbie had found Mrs. Johnson to be a reasonable and effective teacher. However, right now Mrs. Johnson did not appear reasonable. In fact, she was obviously angry and had sought the aid of Mr. Hall, who was quickly working up to her level of indignation. Just to make sure everything was clear, Mrs. Johnson restated her position:
“No one is leaving here until I find out who stole the money!”
Debbie quickly learned that Rebecca Smith, a student in Mrs. Johnson’s third-grade class, had informed Mrs. Johnson that someone had taken $20 from her book bag. After some questioning, Mrs. Johnson discovered that the bag had remained in the classroom during recess and had been in the classroom unsupervised for 5 to 10 minutes. Mrs. Johnson had vainly searched desks, book bags, papers, and books. She was now determined to enlist Mr. Hall in a “bathroom search” of the students in the class. Something about the idea of a “bathroom search” made Debbie anxious, but Mrs. Johnson seemed absolutely determined to find the money.

 
Instructions
Read the case study. Consider the legal issues surrounding the case. Based upon the research, readings, lecture and video’s write a one page double-spaced essay that includes your responses to the following questions.
(ELCC: 3.3, 5.4, 5.5, 6.1)
(NELPS: 2.1a, 2.2c, 2.2d, 2.3a,2.3d, 2.3e, 3.1a, 3.1c, 3.1d, 3.1g, 3.1h, 3.3c, 3.3d, 6.3a, 6.3b, 6.3c, 6.3d, 6.3e, 6.3f, 6.3g, 7.1a, 7.1e)
(LEADS: D2a, D2b, D4a, D4b, D4d)

At what point does a student’s expectation of privacy outweigh the obligation of school leaders to maintain good order and discipline in the school?

How much of a student’s belongings are subject to search?

Would the “bathroom search” be a reasonable type of search of third-grade students? What about the students who did not return early from recess?

How would you resolve the case study? Explain the rationale behind your resolution using school policy and case law.