3029

Sex Offenders

The safety of the students attending school is of great importance. It is important that school employees, students’ parents, and students be aware of dangers posed by sex offenders living within the school district, and to be vigilant in providing protection against these dangers. The school district shall notify staff members, students’ parents, and students of any high risk/Level 3 sex offenders residing in the school district, and shall notify staff members of any moderate risk/Level 2 sex offenders residing in the school district. Such notice shall contain information about the availability of further information on the State Patrol’s web page, and shall inform the recipient of the prohibition against using the information for any retaliatory purpose against the sex offender, the offender’s family, or the offender’s employer.

The Nebraska Legislature has enacted the Nebraska Sex Offender Registration Act. The Act requires sex offenders to register with the local county sheriff where they reside. The Nebraska State Patrol designates the offenders in one of three categories: low risk/Level 1, moderate risk/Level 2, and high risk/Level 3 offenders. The State Patrol notifies the following agencies and organizations based on the level of risk posed by the offender:

Low Risk/ Level 1 Offenders: local law enforcement agencies who are likely to encounter the offender.

Moderate Risk/Level 2 Offenders: local law enforcement, schools, daycare centers, and religious and youth organizations in the registrant's county of residence. School officials may use the information for the protection of children under their care, and may share the information with “any person who in the course of the duties of his or her employment or assignment is regularly in a position to observe unauthorized persons on or near the property of the qualified organization.” However, school officials are prohibited from disseminating the information to the public, parents, other organizations, press, and children.

High Risk/Level 3 Offenders: local law enforcement agencies, schools, daycare centers, and religious organizations, youth organizations, and the public are notified through news releases directed to the media within the state. Local law enforcement agencies may use additional news releases, community meetings or direct contact with neighbors to provide notice in addition to the State Patrol news release.

A level 3 sex offender who is the parent or guardian of a student may participate in education conferences unless prohibited by court order, but shall not otherwise enter school grounds, be on school premises, or attend school events without prior, express permission of the building principal. Students who are registered sex offenders shall not be precluded from attending school on that basis.

Adopted on: ___January 1, 2007

Revised on: ___July 21, 2008

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