It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that all buildings, grounds, and equipment shall be maintained and operated in a safe and sanitary manner in accordance with all applicable regulatory codes.

1. Facilities Maintenance

   The Superintendent or their designee will provide for a program to maintain the district’s physical plant and grounds by way of a continuous program of repair, maintenance, and reconditioning. Budget recommendations will be made each year to meet these needs and any such needs arising from an emergency. On site staff will be responsible for performing minor repairs which do not require a great amount of time, special skills, or special tools.

2. Infrastructure Management

   The Seattle School Board also desires to maintain the infrastructure of district facilities.

   In order to assure state funding, for facilities constructed new or new in lieu after 1994, the Board maintains an asset preservation program (APP). The APP will preserve the district facilities by employing a system of predictive, preventative, and proactive processes. Annually, the Superintendent or their designee will report to the Board on the condition of the facilities and the effectiveness of the APP. Every sixth year, an independent assessment will be conducted and reported to the Board and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

   Additionally, the Superintendent or their designee will develop a process to evaluate all pre-1994 facilities for possible participation in the asset preservation program.

   For initial participation in the APP, the Board will submit a resolution to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction committing the district to implement the program.

   The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures for the asset preservation program.

3. Playground Equipment

   The Board recognizes that playground equipment is an essential part of a complete school facility. All playground equipment, whether purchased by the district or donated by a community or school-related group, should be assessed in terms of suitability and durability and for possible health or safety hazards. Consideration will also be given to potential hazards when the playground is unsupervised during non-school hours.

   The Superintendent or their designee is authorized to develop specifications for playground equipment and related play surfaces. These specifications shall serve as criteria for the selection of playground equipment. Selection and installation of playground equipment will be based upon safety and contribution to child development.

4. Chemical and Laboratory Safety

   The Board recognizes the potential health and safety hazards that exist as a result of chemical storage, handling and disposal. Instruction will be emphasized in the safe and proper use of chemicals and substances and proper laboratory techniques. All students and staff are to wear safety glasses or goggles whenever they are working under potentially hazardous conditions. Laboratories should be ventilated sufficiently enough to provide a healthful, nonhazardous environment.

   The Superintendent is authorized to establish safety guidelines and procedures which will minimize the hazards inherent in the science classes and laboratories in the schools.

5. Destruction of School Property

   Staff, to the extent possible, will insure that buildings, grounds, equipment and furniture are not abused. Students or non-students who abuse school property may be disciplined and required to pay for the damage incurred.

   The Superintendent is authorized to establish procedures for the investigation and reporting of damage or loss and will initiate action to collect for damages.