Restitution

The word “restitution” means restoring something that has been taken away or making payment for an injury or loss. The BCPSS is specifically charged with educating the children of Baltimore City. Part of the educational process is to teach respect for the person and property of others, as well as to teach the premise that all persons are responsible for their own behavior.

If, as the result of certain behavior, properties are damaged, destroyed, or stolen, the person or persons responsible must be prepared to pay to repair or replace the property of the school system.

Vandalism

School staff tries to prevent vandalism and help students understand the need to respect the rights of others. Efforts are made to increase school pride, involve parents, and create activities and programs that stress pride in school and care of property.

Where minor acts of vandalism are committed, students may be required to perform school service chores as restitution to discourage future acts of this kind. For instance, a student may be asked to remove writing from the walls of a school building or clean a given area that has been dirtied by that student.

In addition, Maryland law describes a procedure for obtaining restitution from a parent and/or a student through Juvenile Court. Maryland law says that if a juvenile is found to be delinquent as the result of an act that has damaged another person or another person's property, the Juvenile Court may say that the juvenile or the parent of the juvenile must pay money to the injured person as repayment for the loss. The BCPSS will make every effort to be repaid for damage to its property through the use of Maryland law and the Juvenile Court.

Textbooks

Textbooks are a vital resource for our school system. If any student loses or damages textbooks assigned to him or her, the parent/guardian will be required to replace the textbook or pay the cost of repairing the damage. The principal may withhold books, supplies, or equipment until restitution or, in extenuating circumstances, an appeal has been made to the appropriate area executive officer.

If the textbooks are not recovered, the principal may withhold any records for the student responsible for the textbook(s); withhold the release of report cards and records (e.g., transcripts); and/or withhold graduation diplomas.

Loaned Instructional Materials

The BCPSS loans instructional materials in addition to textbooks for students to use in classes and activities. These materials include but are not limited to, the following: calculators, science laboratory equipment, musical instruments, band uniforms, choir robes, athletic uniforms and equipment. It is the responsibility of the student using and/or possessing loaned instructional materials to care for them properly and to return them in good condition, taking into account normal wear. The student and his/her parent/guardian are liable for any vandalism, damage, or theft because of negligence or improper use. Any other negative circumstances regarding these items must be reported to the teacher in charge immediately. Maintenance and repair, other than that which is performed by the system or respective school, is the responsibility of the student or guardian. Cost of replacement is also the responsibility of the student or guardian and will be determined according to fair and current market value.

If these items are not returned in satisfactory condition or cost of repair or replacement is not made, the principal may withhold any records for the student responsible for the instruments or uniforms; withhold the release of report cards and records (e.g., transcripts), and/or withhold diplomas.