4060 - Outside Speakers Sponsored by School-Affiliated Organizations Chappaqua PTA, Greeley Sports Boosters & Friends of Greeley Theater

It is the policy of Chappaqua Central School District to ensure that all speakers and presentations made by individuals to children are age appropriate in content  consistent with the legal principles described in the District's Educational Philosophy and Equity Policy.

Outside speakers may only be considered by the administration from the three school-affiliated organizations. To maintain the safety, security, and educational integrity of our schools, all outside speakers who will be presenting to children on school district property within the school day must be approved in advance by the building principal.

Approval of Outside Speakers

1. Any school affiliated organization seeking to sponsor a guest speaker (individuals who share their expertise with students) to address students within the District's schools must submit a formal request to the respective building principal at least 45 days in advance of the proposed event, including:
   • The sponsoring organization.
   • The speaker's name, credentials, and contact information.
   • The topic and purpose of the presentation.
   • The intended audience (e.g., grade level, etc.).
   • A brief outline of the content or activity to be presented.
   • K-12 public school references, preferably in New York State.
2. The building principal will review speaker requests within five (5) school days of receipt of the same and may consult with relevant district personnel, as needed, to determine the appropriateness and educational value of the proposed presentation.
3. The building principal will communicate the decision regarding approval or disapproval to the requesting organization, taking into consideration the District’s Educational Philosophy and Equity Policy, as well as applicable state and federal laws. If approved, the principal will coordinate the logistics and scheduling of the presentation at least ten (10) school days in advance of the event.
4. In cases where a request for an outside speaker is denied, the building principal will communicate the decision and rationale to the requesting organization within five (5) school days.
5. The District has a right to end the speaking engagement should the speaker present information outside of the subject area about which they were invited to speak.

Inspection of Materials

1. All materials to be used during an approved presentation, including handouts, slides, audiovisual aids, and any other resources, must be submitted to the building principal five school (5) days in advance of the event.
2. The building principal, in consultation with appropriate district personnel, will inspect the materials to ensure that they align with the District’s Educational Philosophy and Equity Policy, are age-appropriate, and do not promote any content that is discriminatory.
3. Materials that are deemed unsuitable will not be permitted for use during the presentation.  Upon request, the building principal will provide clear reasons for such decisions to the requesting organization.
4. The District has the right and responsibility to end the speaking engagement should the materials presented not be authorized by the District.

This policy ensures that the educational environment within Chappaqua Central School District is protected from potentially inappropriate, disruptive, or harmful external influences while preserving the principles of free speech and academic exploration. All stakeholders are expected to comply with this policy to maintain the safety and educational quality of our schools.

This policy shall be reviewed and updated as needed to remain consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and the district's evolving educational objectives.

Cross-Ref:

Policy 5105 - Student Clubs
Policy 0130 - District Equity Policy
Policy 2075 - Maintaining District Neutrality on Non-School Related Matters

Adopted – February 7, 2024 (This policy shall be in effect starting July 1, 2024)