top of page


ASB Board Policies
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: School Facilities and PropertyPolicy: 5.0Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last Revised: May 22, 2026School Facilities and Property The School’s buildings, grounds, facilities, housing, equipment, and other assets are institutional resources that will be stewarded responsibly in support of the School’s mission and educational program.The Board delegates to the Head of School responsibility for the care, custody, security, maintenance, and effective management of School property. The Head of School will establish administrative regulations to ensure that School facilities and assets are properly maintained, protected, and used in a manner consistent with the School’s mission and operational needs.School buildings and grounds are for the School’s educational programs and related activities. The Board recognizes the value of appropriate community use of school facilities when such use does not interfere with the School’s primary purpose and when student safety, security, and protection of school assets are maintained.The Head of School is authorized to establish regulations governing the use of School facilities, including eligibility of users, permitted activities, applicable fees, and conditions for responsible use. The Head of School may recover costs associated with facility use and may waive fees when appropriate.School equipment and materials are intended to support the School’s educational programs and operations. Limited off-campus use may be permitted upon authorization from the Head of School, in accordance with administrative regulations. School equipment will not be used for personal purposes.Funds for the upkeep and maintenance of school facilities and equipment will be included in the annual budget. The Head of School will report regularly to the Board on the condition and management of School facilities and assets.Cross References:4.100 - Annual Operating Budget 4.520 - Contracts and Bidding 5.010 - Faculty Housing 5.020 - Use of School Facilities 5.030 - Off - Campus Use of School Equipment 5.040 - School Technology and Computer Systems 5.060 - Energy Conservation and Re-cycling 5.300 - Food Services
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Faculty HousingPolicy: 5.1Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last Revised: May 22, 2026SCHOOL- PROVIDED HOUSING The School may provide furnished housing for its employees. The Head of School will be responsible for establishing regulations governing all matters related to staff housing including:Assignment of HousingRegulations and restrictions related to useMaintenance and safetyFurnishingsThe Head of School or their designee will be authorized to enter into contracts, within overall budgetary limits approved by the Board, and as per the Employee’s Employment Contract
Those employees housed in school-provided accommodations must comply with the agreement entered into between the School and the property owner as well as any School regulations established by the Head of School pertaining to such housing. Cross References:4.440 - Bonded Employees and Insurance 4.520 - Contracts and Bidding 5.000 - School Buildings, Ground and Equipment 6.650 - Additional Benefits for Overseas Hired Staff
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SYSTEMSPolicy: 5.2Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last Revised: May 22, 2026 SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS The Board supports the development and ongoing support of the School’s technology programs to enhance teaching, learning, communication, and operational effectiveness.The Head of School will develop strategic plans and administrative regulations for the School’s overall computer and technology program, including the effective use and management of technology supporting technology instruction, business operations, media services, data storage, and security. The Head of School will develop regulations and guidelines for the appropriate use of information technology by employees and students. The student and employee handbooks will articulate expectations and consequences regarding the responsible use of the School’s computer systems, including the hardware, software, data access and handling, and internet and intranet connections. Administrative regulations will define appropriate access to and use of School technology resources and data.The Head of School will be responsible for establishing and regularly reviewing regulations governing the management, security, and appropriate use of the School’s technology systems and resources. Such regulations may address matters including technology security, appropriate use of digital resources, data management and protection, software licensing and copyright compliance, system maintenance, and access to School technology systems.Cross References:5.000 - School Buildings, Ground and Equipment 7.320 - Instructional Technology Program 8.225 - Use of Information Technology
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Energy Conservation and RecyclingPolicy: 5.3Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last Revised: May 22, 2026 ENERGY CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING The Head of School will develop and implement regulations that promote the efficient and responsible use of energy and resources by the School, including educational efforts that encourage conservation.Cross References:5.000 - School Buildings, Ground and Equipment
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Safety, Health, and Security PlanningPolicy: 5.4Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last Revised: May 22, 2026 SAFETY, HEALTH, AND SECURITY PLANNING The Head of School is responsible for ensuring the safety, health, and security of all students, employees, and visitors while on School premises or participating in School-sponsored activities. They are responsible for the development, maintenance, and regular review of the School’s Safe School Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Intervention Plan.This plan will outline the regulations, procedures, and protocols necessary to support the safety, health, and security of the School community and will be informed, as appropriate, by consultation with relevant authorities and professional advisors including local police and other authorities, and the US Consulate General Regional Security Office.The Head of School will ensure appropriate communication, training, and preparedness activities related to safety and security. The Head of School will keep the Board appropriately informed regarding significant safety and security matters. The Head of School is responsible for maintaining a comprehensive framework of regulations and procedures addressing safety, health, and security within the School.Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Planning:The Head of School will maintain written emergency preparedness and crisis response procedures designed to protect students, employees, and visitors in emergency situations. These procedures will be reviewed regularly and the Board will be informed that such reviews have occurred. The Head of School will work closely with the U.S. Consulate’s Regional Security Officer and other relevant authorities, as appropriate, to support the effectiveness and coordination of the School’s emergency preparedness planning. Visitors to School: The Head of School will establish regulations governing visitor access to the School in order to maintain safety, security, and an environment conducive to learning. All visitors are expected to comply with School safety and security requirements.Safety and Security Planning:The Head of School will establish appropriate leadership structures and processes to support the development, review, and implementation of the School’s safety and security plans.Safety Measures:Administrative regulations will address safety practices related to School facilities, operations, and activities. The Head of School will ensure that appropriate monitoring and review of safety conditions occurs and will report significant matters to the Board as appropriate. Security Planning:Administrative regulations will address the security of School facilities, emergency preparedness, and related operational matters. Guiding Principles:The safety and security of students and School personnel is of the highest priority. Communication regarding safety and security will be accurate, timely, and appropriate to the circumstances.
The Head of School will determine appropriate communication and responsibilities related to safety and security planning.Where appropriate, the School will coordinate safety and security planning with relevant local authorities and professional advisors.
Emergency Decision-Making:Emergency planning will include considerations related to School operations during significant incidents or disruptions.Operational decision-making procedures during emergencies will be addressed in the School’s emergency preparedness and crisis response plan.
VandalismThe Head of School will be responsible for the development of administrative regulations addressing the reporting, investigation, and response to vandalism or damage to School property.Physical Security and Protection The Head of School will be responsible for implementing measures that support the safety and security of individuals while under School supervision, including on School grounds and in School buildings, on School-provided transportation and at School-sponsored functions. It will be the policy of the Board that detailed security information will be handled with appropriate confidentiality and may be reviewed by the Board in closed or working sessions when necessary. Access to sensitive security information will be limited on a “need to know” basis. The Head of School will establish procedures regarding identification and access credentials for individuals on campus.Identification and access credentials issued by the School remain School property and must be returned when an individual’s affiliation with the School ends.
Health and SafetyThe School will take every reasonable precaution to protect students and other adults from accidents, injury, or health hazards and will promote ongoing health and safety awareness and education as may be appropriate and necessary for the welfare of students and other personnel.The Head of School will ensure that qualified health personnel are available on campus whenever student activities are taking place.Review and Oversight:The School's emergency safety and security plan will be reviewed by the Head of School on a regular basis and updated where appropriate. The Head of School will provide the Board confirmation that this annual review has taken place.
Cross References:5.110 - Physical Security and Protection 5.120 - Vandalism 5.130 - Emergency Plans, Drill and Incidents 5.140 - Threats against the school 5.150 - Emergency School Closings 5.160 - Health and Safety 5.170 - Accident Prevention and Reporting 5.180 - Pest Management Program 6.240 - Staff Recruitment, Qualifications and Selection 6.380 - Staff Performance Assessment Process and Annual Evaluations 6.830 - School Closure: Continuation of Salary and Benefit
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Threats Against The School Policy: 5.5Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last Revised: May 22, 2026 THREATS AGAINST THE SCHOOL The Head of School shall establish and implement regulations to be followed in cases of threats, including but not limited to, bombs or other explosive devices, arson and fire, hostage, or armed aggression. These regulations should aim first at protecting the students and staff in the School; second at finding the source/location of the threat against the School; and third, identifying the person or persons responsible for making the threat. Any investigative action shall be initiated by the Head of School and then routed through the U.S. Consulate Regional Security Office and/or local authorities in accordance with associated Board policies and regulations.
Any student or school personnel who have been proven to have made such a threat, shall be disciplined in accordance with Board policies and procedures for student or staff discipline, including possible suspension and/or expulsion. The School may refer incidents to local law enforcement as necessary.
All members of the School staff, especially office personnel who are likely to be the first recipients of threatening calls, shall be trained on a regular basis in threat response procedures which will be part of the Handbook of Safe School Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Intervention Plan, which will be distributed at the discretion of the Head of School.
Cross References:5.100 - Safety and Security Planning 5.130 - Emergency Plans, Drill and Incidents 8.270 - Dangerous Weapons and Explosive Devices 8.300 - Student Self-Regulation 8.330 - Student Suspension and/or Expulsion
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Emergency School Closings Policy: 5.6Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS The Head of School is empowered to close the School, delay the opening time of School, dismiss School early, or hold students in School past dismissal time, if adverse weather conditions or emergency safety considerations make it necessary.
In cases of “Force Majeure,” which for the purposes of Board policy is defined as “an event or effect that cannot reasonably be anticipated or controlled,” the Board may order the closure of the School for a period of time deemed necessary, if the safety and security of students, faculty, and/or staff is jeopardized. Board action in such circumstances will take into consideration the recommendation of the Head of School and may be guided by the following:Any advisory from the U.S. Consulate that "orders" rather than “authorizes” or "encourages," the departure of U.S. citizens, dependents, and non-essential personnel from India. Information will also be sought from other embassies and agency sources;
Health, safety, and security information from relevant organizations;
Information from local government officials.When a Force Majeure or other long-term emergency situation closes the School either temporarily or permanently, faculty, staff, and parents will be advised in writing by the Head of School as soon as possible. Every attempt will be made to secure personnel and to protect School properties and housing properties. During a Force Majeure situation the Board will retain the option to continue the School's operation on a limited basis (including virtual).
The Board will make every attempt to clearly state whether or not the Force Majeure closing is temporary or permanent. Board policy will remain in force whether the Force Majeure situation is temporary or permanent.
Payment of staff during a temporary or permanent school closure will be Board approved and in accordance with the employment contract, as per Board Policy 6.830.
Cross References:1.300 - School Year and Calendar 4.335 - School Fees - Refunds 4.710 - School Closure 5.100 - Safety and Security Planning 5.130 - Emergency Plans, Drill and Incidents 5.140 - Threats against the school 6.830 - School Closure: Continuation of Salary and Benefit
Adoption Date: January 24, 2005
Last Revised: March 16, 2021
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Air Quality Policy: 5.7Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026Air Quality ASB is committed to providing a safe environment for our community by limiting student and employee exposure to air pollution.The Head of School will ensure that appropriate measures are in place to maintain and monitor indoor air quality at the School. The Head of School will establish regulations and guidelines to limit student and employee exposure to air pollution while on School campuses.Such regulations may include benchmarks for air quality conditions, expectations for outdoor activities, and guidance to the School community on reducing exposure to air pollution.Relevant guidelines will be communicated to the School community through appropriate School publications and communications.
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Accident Prevention and ReportingPolicy: 5.8Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND REPORTINGThe Head of School will be responsible for establishing and implementing administrative regulations for accident prevention, response, and reporting at the School.All employees will exercise due precaution in executing their duties and responsibilities and will immediately report any dangerous situation or conditions to their supervisor.Proper and immediate care of students is the School’s first and primary responsibility. In the case of hospitalization or any suspicion of serious injury, the Head of School or designee will be notified as soon as practicable.Administrative regulations will require appropriate documentation and reporting of accidents that occur on School property, during School-sponsored activities, or involving School vehicles.The Head of School will report to the Board significant accidents or incidents involving injury requiring external medical care or hospitalization.
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Bus Transportation Program Policy: 5.9Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026BUS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM The Head of School is responsible for ensuring that the school offers a safe and secure transportation service. Parents/legal guardians are responsible for arranging transportation to and from school, whether by individual means or by school-provided transportation. Vehicles provided by the School will be operated by qualified and trained personnel and maintained in accordance with applicable safety standards. The Head of School is responsible for the development of administrative regulations governing School transportation and the safe use of School vehicles. These regulations will address matters such as vehicle safety, driver qualifications, operational standards, and expectations for student conduct. The Head of School will ensure appropriate monitoring and review of transportation safety practices.
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: School InsurancePolicy: 5.10Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026INSURANCE The School will maintain adequate levels of insurance against losses through fire, theft, accidents, liability, and other risks. The School's insurance program aims to provide protection for the School, its staff and students, and its property. The School will maintain appropriate insurance coverage to protect against major operational and financial risks, including but not limited to liability, property damage, employee benefits, and other exposures consistent with the School’s activities and obligations.The Head of School is responsible for determining appropriate levels of coverage within the parameters approved by the Board. The School’s insurance coverage will be reviewed regularly to ensure that coverage remains appropriate for the School’s operations and risk profile. The Head of School is responsible for ensuring that all necessary insurance policies are in order at all times. Medical and other insurance coverage will be provided to employees in accordance with contracts and conditions of employment, and within the terms of insurance policies secured by the School on behalf of the staff and students.
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Document Records/Retention Policy: 5.11Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026 Document Records/Retention The Head of School is responsible for establishing and maintaining administrative regulations for the effective management, retention, and protection of the School’s documents and records. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure compliance with legal requirements for document retention as well as appropriate access to School and student records, as defined in Board policies and associated regulations. The Head of School is responsible for the development and implementation of regulations in support of this policy that address records management practices across the School.Such regulations may address records retention schedules, preservation of permanent records, secure storage and confidentiality of sensitive records, maintenance and updating of records, appropriate use of digital technologies and backup systems, and the identification and disposition of obsolete records.
Cross References:6.470 - Personnel Records 7.250 - Student Academic Records 9.010 - Community Access to Information
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Host Country Government RelationPolicy: 5.12Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026HOST COUNTRY GOVERNMENT RELATIONSThe Board of Trustees is responsible for maintaining positive relations with the Indian government. The Head of School or their designee act as the principal liaison with government officials.All official agreements with the Indian government are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.Cross References: 2.010 Powers and Duties of the Boards 3.110 Powers and Duties of the Head of School
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Parent, Employee and Student Involvement in Desicion MakingPolicy: 5.13Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026PARENT, EMPLOYEE, AND STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION-MAKINGThe Board of Trustees values and encourage community (Employees, parents, and students) participation and will give due consideration to the opinions and advice offered. Such participation may include, as appropriate, involvement in the:Executive team of the Parent Community Association (PCA)Council of AdvisorsStrategic Planning processClassroom projects and activities including Community and Social Responsibility (CSR) initiativesCommunity surveysCommunity partnershipsRecruiting Leadership Team membersPlanning FacilitiesDeveloping programs such as Host Country Studies The Head of School will provide and encourage opportunities for Employees and students to voice their views in the development of the School. Cross References: 3.200 Leadership Team 7.330 Host Country Studies Program 7.340 Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Program 8.150 Student Involvement in Decision-Making
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: School Year and CalendarPolicy: 5.14Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026SCHOOL YEAR AND CALENDARThe Board of Trustees will adopt the School calendar for the ensuing School year. The Head of School will submit a recommended calendar to the Board in advance of their December meeting. The School calendar will provide for a minimum of 180 student contact days. Teachers will work no fewer than 192 days each school year. The Board of Trustees recognizes that early dismissal will sometimes be required or advisable. Each early dismissal day will count as a full day.
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Parent, Employee and Student Involvement in Desicion MakingPolicy: 5.15Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026SCHOOLS AND LEVEL OF INSTRUCTIONThe American School of Bombay is a coeducational and non-sectarian institution, offering an American‐style curriculum to students eligible to attend as per the laws and regulations of the government of India. The grade levels offered at ASB are organized into schools as follows: Elementary SchoolPre-K through Grade 5Middle SchoolGrade 6 through Grade 8High SchoolGrade 9 through Grade 12
SECTION 5: SCHOOL OPERATIONSTitle: Emergency Closing / Make-Up of Closing DaysPolicy: 5.16Status: ActiveAdopted: January 24, 2005Last revised: May 22, 2026EMERGENCY CLOSINGS/MAKE-UP OF CLOSING DAYSThe Head of School has the authority to temporarily close the School if safety is at risk due to actual or potential hazards. This decision will be made in consultation with the Board President or their designee and, when possible, relevant staff or community safety agencies. In situations deemed suitable for virtual learning, the Head of School is authorized to move in-person learning to an online environment. In such cases, the day will count as an instructional day. Only the Head of School or their designee may make public announcements or media statements. The Board of Trustees may reschedule instructional days lost due to emergency closures.
bottom of page