Prayer in the Schools

Sample Policy - "It is the policy of the Board of Education to not prevent, or otherwise deny participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in the districts' schools, consistent with current guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and applicable judicial decisions interpreting the religious clauses of the First Amendment of the United State Constitution."

This policy supersedes any other Board Policy that might be inconsistent with it.

Adoption Date:  _______________________

When and Where to Send the Certification - Last year this document was due to the State Education Department no later than March 15, 2003.  The Certification reads:  As a condition of receiving federal funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), the local educational agency prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public elementary schools and secondary schools, as detailed in the current guidance issued pursuant to NCLB Section 9524(a).

_____________________                   _________________
Signature                                          Date

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Printed Name & Title of Authorized Representative

_________________________________________________
Name of Local Educational Agency

The form must be completed by the President of the Board of Education or Board of Trustees, the Superintendent of Schools or other Chief School Officer (such as the Principal of a charter school) who is authorized by the LEA to sign this certification.  It must be submitted to the State Education Department at the following address:

Title I State Coordinating Officer
New York State Education Department
Room 461
Education Building Annex
Albany, NY 12234

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