POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK

382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200

Fax: 828.288.2490

2019-2020

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

P O L I C Y H A N D B O O K

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

All Rutherford County students will graduate prepared for college and career success.

Rutherford County Schools will prepare all students for lifelong learning in a global community by partnering with families and communities to promote a safe, nurturing school environment and provide rigorous academic and career preparation experiences.

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Parents and Guardians:

On behalf of Rutherford County Schools, I want to welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year. I am

delighted that you and your children are a part of our school family, and I wish each of you the very best

throughout the school year. Our schools are child-centered, and our teachers, administrators, and staff

members are committed to meeting the needs of students throughout our community – intellectually,

physically, and emotionally. We are proud and grateful to partner with you in that important work.

This handbook includes local school board policies related to student behavior and discipline, along

with several annual public notices. In addition to this handbook, your child’s principal will provide more

information outlining the rules, code of conduct, and operating procedures specific to his or her school.

You may also access our complete policy manual in the “Board of Education” section of our website at

http://www.rcsnc.org/.

A strong, positive relationship between school and home is a critical ingredient in your child’s success. I

encourage you to attend school events, participate in parent-teacher conferences, and work closely with

your child’s teachers and administrators throughout the school year. Working together, we will achieve

our vision that all students graduate prepared for college and career success.

Sincerely,

David M. Sutton, Ed.D. Superintendent

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Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.

TABLEOFCONTENTSANNUALPUBLICNOTICES............................................................................................................................................................4ATTENDANCE(POLICY4400).................................................................................................................................................16HEADLICE(POLICY4235/6135)..........................................................................................................................................20STUDENTCONDUCT...................................................................................................................................................................21 ProhibitionAgainstDiscrimination,Harassment,andBullying(Policy1710/4021/7230)....................21 Discrimination,Harassment,andBullyingComplaintProcedure(Policy1720/4015/7225)................27 StudentBehaviorPolicies(Policy4300).........................................................................................................................35 SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(Policy4302).........................................................................38 RulesforUseofSeclusionandRestraintinSchools(Reg.4302-R)....................................................39 DisciplinaryActionforExceptionalChildren/StudentsWithDisabilities(Policy4307)...........................43 IntegrityandCivility(Policy4310)....................................................................................................................................43 DisruptiveBehavior(Policy4315).....................................................................................................................................44 DisruptiveBehavior(Reg.4315-R)..................................................................................................................45 StudentDressCode(Policy4316)......................................................................................................................................47 StudentDressCode(Reg.4316-R)....................................................................................................................48 MisconductonaSchoolVehicle(Policy4317)..............................................................................................................50 CellularPhoneUseinSchools(Policy4318).................................................................................................................51 TobaccoProducts–Students(Policy4320)...................................................................................................................51 TobaccoProducts–Students(Reg.4320-R)................................................................................................52 DrugsandAlcohol(Policy4325).........................................................................................................................................53 DrugsandAlcohol(Reg.4325-R)......................................................................................................................54 Gang-RelatedActivity(Policy4328).................................................................................................................................55 Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty(Policy4330)..........................................................................................57 Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(Policy4331).......................................................................................................58 Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety(Policy4333)...........................60 CriminalBehavior(Policy4335).........................................................................................................................................63 SchoolLevelInvestigations(Policy4340)......................................................................................................................64 ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues(Policy4341).........................................................................65 StudentSearches(Policy4342)...........................................................................................................................................67 StudentDisciplineRecords(Policy4345).......................................................................................................................68 Short-TermSuspension(Policy4351).............................................................................................................................70 RemovalofStudentDuringtheDay(Policy4352)......................................................................................................72 Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(Policy4353)...........................................................72 AppealsofLong-Termor365-DaySuspensions(Policy4361).............................................................................78 RequestsforReadmissionofExpelledStudents(Policy4362).............................................................................79 StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures(Policy4370)..............................................................................................80STUDENTPERFORMANCE..........................................................................................................................................................82 StudentPromotionandAccountability(Policy3420)...............................................................................................82 StudentPromotionandAccountability(Reg.3420-R)............................................................................87TECHNOLOGY.............................................................................................................................................................................90 TechnologyResponsibleUse(Policy3225/4312/7320).........................................................................................90 WebPageDevelopment(Policy3227/7322)................................................................................................................93NCLB/FERPAOPT-OUTLETTER(OPTIONAL)......................................................................................................................99

POLICIESESTABLISHEDBYTHERUTHERFORDCOUNTYBOARDOFEDUCATIONARESUBJECTTOREVISIONTHROUGHOUTTHESCHOOLYEAR.UPDATEDPOLICIESSUPERSEDETHOSEPROVIDEDWITHIN

THISHANDBOOK.FORCURRENTVERSIONSOFALLPOLICIESESTABLISHEDBYTHERUTHERFORDCOUNTYBOARDOFEDUCATION,PLEASEVISITOURWEBSITEATHTTP://WWW.RCSNC.ORG/.

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ANNUALPUBLICNOTICES

StudentRecords:FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), a federal law, gives parents and students overeighteen(18)yearsofage("eligiblestudents")certainrightswithrespecttothestudent'seducationrecords.Theserightsare:

• Therighttoinspectandreviewyourchild'seducationrecordswithinforty-five(45)daysofthedaytheschoolreceivesarequestforaccess.Youshouldsubmittotheschoolprincipalawrittenrequestthat identifies the record(s)youwish to inspect. Theprincipalwillmakearrangements foraccessandnotifyyouofthetimeandplacewheretherecordsmaybeinspected.

• Therighttorequestanamendmentofyourchild'seducationrecordsthatyoubelieveareinaccurateormisleading.Youshouldwritetheschoolprincipal,clearlyidentifythepartoftherecordyouwantchangedandspecifywhyitisinaccurateormisleading.Iftheschooldecidesnottoamendtherecordas requested, the schoolwill notify you of the decision and advise you of your right to a hearingregardingtherequestfortheamendment.Additionalinformationregardingthehearingprocedureswillbeprovidedtoyouwhenyouarenotifiedoftherighttoahearing.

• The right to consent todisclosuresofpersonally identifiable information contained in your child'seducation records. FERPA requires that the school obtain your written consent prior to thedisclosureofanysuchinformationwithcertainexceptions.Foracompletelistofthedisclosuresthatelementaryandsecondaryschoolsmaymakewithoutparentalconsentsee34CFRPart99.37.

• A School Official includes any of the following when that person has a “legitimate educationalinterest”inhavingaccesstotheinformation:

a. Any administrator, certified staff member, or support staff member (including health,medical,safety,andsecuritystaff)employedbytheschooldistrict;

b. Aschoolboardmember;c. A contractor, consultant, volunteer, or other party to whom the school district has

outsourced services or functions, such as (but not limited to) an attorney, auditor, cloudstorage provider, consultant, expert witness, hearing officer, law enforcement unit,investigator, insurer/insurance company adjuster, investigator, or any other claimsrepresentative, medical providers or consultants, or counselors/therapists, provided thatthepersonisperformingaserviceorfunctionforwhichtheschooldistrictwouldotherwiseuseemployees,isunderthedirectcontroloftheschooldistrictwithrespecttotheuseandmaintenanceofeducationrecords,andissubjecttoFERPArequirementsgoverningtheuseandre-disclosureofPIIfromeducationrecords;

d. Apersonservingonacommitteeappointedbytheschoolboardorbytheadministrationoftheschooldistrict,suchasadisciplinaryorgrievancecommitteeorotherreviewcommittee.

A school official has a “legitimate educational interest” if theofficial needs to reviewan educationrecordinordertofulfillhisorherprofessionalresponsibility.

• TheSchoolDistrictmayrelease"directoryinformation"aboutastudentunlessyouhaveadvisedtheschool to the contrary. The School District has designated the following information as directoryinformation:

Student'sName Degrees,honors,andawardsreceived

Address DateandplaceofbirthTelephonelisting ElectronicmailaddressPhotograph Participationinofficiallyrecognized

activitiesandsportsMajorfieldofstudy Weightandheightofmembers

ofathleticteamsGradelevel Mostrecenteducationalagency

orinstitutionattendedDatesofattendance Enrollmentstatus

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• The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school to include this type ofinformationfromyourchild'seducationrecordsincertainschoolpublications.Examplesinclude:

i. Aplaybill,showingyourstudent'sroleinadramaproduction;ii. Theannualyearbook;iii. Honorrollorotherrecognitionlists;iv. Graduationprograms;orv. Sportsactivitysheets,showingweightandheightofteammembers.

• Directory information may also be disclosed to outside organizations without your prior writtenconsent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies thatmanufacture classringsorpublishyearbooks.

• In addition, under federal law, we are required to provide military recruiters and institutions ofhigher education, upon their request, with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of highschool students, unless the student or parent has advised the school that they do not want suchinformationdisclosedwithouttheirpriorwrittenconsent.

• Ifyoudonotwant theschool todisclosesomeorallof thedirectory informationdescribedabovefromyourchild'seducationrecords toallorcertainrecipientswithoutyourpriorwrittenconsent,the School District must be notified in writing within fourteen (14) days of the beginning of theschoolyearorwithin fourteen(14)daysofyourenrolling in theSchoolDistrict. NOTE: Foryourconvenience, a form that canbeused for thispurpose isprovidedat theendof thishandbook.An“opt-out”isperpetualandcanonlyberescindedinwriting.

• TherighttofileacomplaintwiththeU.S.DepartmentofEducationconcerningallegedfailuresoftheSchoolDistricttocomplywiththerequirementsofFERPA.ThenameandaddressoftheofficethatadministersFERPAis:

FamilyPolicyComplianceOfficeU.S.DepartmentofEducation400MarylandAvenue,SW

Washington,DC20202-5901

Non-Discrimination:TitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964;TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972;TheRehabilitationActof1973(Section504);andTheAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990(ADA)

ItistheSchoolDistrict'spolicynottodiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,religion, age, genetic information or veteran’s status in its educational programs, activities or employmentpolicies.

ForinquiriesorcomplaintsortorequestacopyoftheSchoolDistrict'sgrievanceprocedures,pleasecontact:

TitleIXCoordinator 504/ADACoordinatorMs.AmyHopps

RutherfordCountySchools382WestMainStreetForestCity,NC28043

828.288.2200

Ms.LisaBlantonRutherfordCountySchools382WestMainStreetForestCity,NC28043

828.288.2200

StudentswithDisabilities:IndividualswithDisabilitiesAct(IDEA)

PursuanttotheIDEA,afederallaw,theSchoolDistrictmustprovidespecialeducationservicestoallchildrenresiding in the school districtwho are between the ages of three (3) and twenty one (21)whohavebeendiagnosedwith or are suspected to havemental, physical or emotional disabilities andwho are unable to

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benefit from a regular school programwithout special assistance. If your child or a child you knowmayqualifyforsuchspecialassistance,pleasecontact:

ExceptionalChildrenProgramDirector

Ms.LisaBlantonRutherfordCountySchools382WestMainStreetForestCity,NC28043

828.288.2200

HomelessStudents:McKinney-VentoHomelessAssistanceAct

For information concerning the educational rights of homeless students, please consult RutherfordCountyBoardofEducationpolicy4125(HomelessStudents)availablehttp://www.rcsnc.org/and/orcontact:

FederalProgramsDirectorDr.KeithSilver

RutherfordCountySchools382WestMainStreetForestCity,NC28043

828.288.2200

ProtectionofPupilRightsAmendment

TheProtectionofPupilRightsAmendmentrequiresthattheSchoolDistrictnotifyyouandobtainconsentorallow you to opt-out your child from participating in certain school activities. These activities include astudentsurvey,analysisorevaluationthatconcernsoneormoreofthefollowingeightareas:

1. Politicalaffiliatesorbeliefsofthestudentorstudent’sparent;2. Mentalorpsychologicalproblemspotentiallyembarrassingtothestudentand/orstudent'sfamily;3. Sexualbehaviororattitudes;4. Illegal,anti-social,self-incriminationordemeaningbehavior;5. Criticalappraisalsofotherswithwhomrespondentshaveclosefamilyrelationships;6. Legallyrecognizedprivilegedrelationships,suchaswithlawyers,doctorsorministers;7. Religiouspractices,affiliationsorbeliefsofthestudentorparents;or8. Income,otherthanasrequiredbylawtodetermineprogrameligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketingpurposesandcertainphysicalexamsorscreeningsexceptforhearing,vision,scoliosisoranyphysicalexamorscreeningpermittedorrequiredunderStatelaw.The SchoolDistrictwill,within a reasonableperiodof timeprior to the administrationof the surveys andactivities, provide notice of said surveys and activities and give you or your son/daughter, if he/she iseighteen(18)yearsoldorolder,theopportunitytoopt-out.

Parentswhobelievetheirrightshavebeenviolatedmayfileacomplaintwith:

FamilyPolicyComplianceOfficeU.S.DepartmentofEducation400MarylandAvenue,SW

Washington,DC20202-5901

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StudentHealth:N.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-375.4

WiththepassageofN.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-375.4,theSchoolDistrictmustprovidefamilieswithinformationonInfluenzaandMeningococcaldiseasesandthevaccinesthatareavailabletopreventeach.Influenza("flu")iscausedbyavirusthatspreadsfrominfectedpersonstothenoseorthroatofothers. Influenzacancausefever,sorethroat,chills,coughs,headacheandmuscleaches.Anyonecangetinfluenza.Mostpeopleareillwithfluforonlyafewdays,butsomegetmuchsickerandmayneedtobehospitalized.Influenzacausesanaverageof36,000deathseachyearintheU.S.,mostlyamongtheelderly.Influenzavaccineisavailableintwotypes.Inactivated(killed)fluvaccine,givenasashot,hasbeenusedinthe U.S. for many years. A live, weakened vaccine, FluMist, was licensed in 2003. It is sprayed into thenostrils. It isavailable forpersons5-49yearsofage. Influenzaviruseschangeoften. Therefore, influenzavaccineisupdatedeveryyear.Protectiondevelopsinabout2weeksaftergettingtheshotandmaylastuptoayear.ThebesttimetogetthevaccineisinOctoberorNovember.Contactyourlocalhealthdepartmentorphysicianformoredetailsoncostandtimevaccinewillbeavailable.Meningococcaldiseaseisaseriousillness,causedbybacteria.Itistheleadingcauseofbacterialmeningitisinchildren2-18yearsoldintheUnitedStates.Meningitisisaninfectionofthebrainandspinalcordcoverings.Meningococcaldiseasecanalsocausebloodinfections. About2,600peoplegetmeningococcaldiseaseeachyearintheU.S.Tentofifteenpercentofthesepeopledie,inspiteoftreatmentwithantibiotics.Ofthosewholive,anothertenpercent(10%)havechroniccomplications.Itismostcommonininfantslessthanoneyearof age, international travelers, and peoplewith certainmedical conditions. College freshmen, particularlythosewholiveindormitories,haveaslightlyincreasedriskofgettingmeningococcaldisease.

LearnmoreaboutthesevaccinesbyconsultingwithyourfamilydoctorornurseorcontactingtheRutherfordCounty Department of Public Health at 828.287.6100 or contacting the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) at 1.800.232.2522 (English) or 1.800.232.0233 (Spanish) or visitinghttp://cdc.gov/vaccines/.

StudentHealth:N.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-47(51)

N. C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-47(51) requires schools to provide information concerning cervical cancer,cervicaldysplasiaandhumanpapillomavirusandthevaccines availabletopreventthesediseases.Information on these diseases and the vaccines can be found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac. ThoseindividualswithoutInternetaccesscancontactaschoolnurseortheRutherfordCountyHealthDepartmentat828.287.6100.

NorthCarolinaSafeSurrenderLaw

PursuanttoN.C.Gen.Stat.§7B-500(b),a femalemay legallysurrenderhernewbornbaby toa responsibleadult without fear of criminal prosecution. While any responsible adult may receive a newborn, SchoolSocial Workers, School Nurses, counselors and law enforcement agents are examples of responsibleadults who are familiar with this law. More information can be found athttps://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/pregnancy-services/safe-surrender. Those individuals without Internetaccesscancontactaschoolnurseor socialworker.

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AsbestosHazardEmergencyResponseAct

This notice is provided to you with information regarding the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act(AHERA)Management Plan for Rutherford County Schools. AHERA is a provision of the Toxic SubstanceControlActandwaspassedbyCongress in1986. Itrequiresschools to“ensurethatworkersandbuildingoccupants,ortheirlegalguardians,areinformedatleastonceeachschoolyearaboutinspections,responseactions,andpost-responseactionactivities, includingperiodic re-inspectionandsurveillanceactivities thatare planned or in progress as well as the availability of the AHERAManagement Plan for public review”(§763.84(c)).

The AHERA Management Plan contains documents of the initial AHERA inspection, 6-month periodicSurveillances,Triennialre-inspections,employeetrainingandOperationsandMaintenanceprocedures.

IfyouhaveanyquestionsregardingtheAHERAManagementPlanforthisschooldistrict,youcancontactMr.MartyHopperat828.286.7014.

UseofPesticides:N.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-47(47)

With the passage ofN. C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-47(47), the SchoolDistrictmust provide notification regardingpesticide use on school property. For more information, please consult Rutherford County Board ofEducationpolicy9205(PestManagement)availableathttp://www.rcsnc.org/and/orcontact:

MaintenanceDirectorMr.DarrenLane

320FairgroundRoadSpindale,NC28160828.286.7014

RutherfordCountySchools’AnnualNotificationofPestManagementProgram

ThisnoticeisbeingdistributedtocomplywiththeNorthCarolinaSchoolChildren’sHealthAct.RutherfordCountySchoolshasadoptedanIntegratedPestManagement(IPM)Policytocomplywiththislaw.IPMisaholistic,preventiveapproachtomanagingpeststhatminimizespesticideuseinourschoolsandonschoolgrounds.IPMisexplainedfurtherintheschool'sPestManagementPolicy,acopyofwhichisincludedwiththisnotice.

TheIPMCoordinatorforourschooldistrictis:

Mr.DarrenLane,MaintenanceDirector320FairgroundRoadSpindale,NC28160828.286.7014

TheIPMCoordinatormaintainsthepesticideproductlabelandtheMaterialSafetyDataSheet(MSDS)ofeachpesticideproductthatmaybeusedonschoolproperty.ThelabelandtheMSDSareavailableforreviewuponrequestbyaparent,guardian,staffmember,orstudentattendingtheschool.Also,theIPMCoordinatorisavailabletohelpansweranyquestionsyoumighthaveabouttheschoolsystem’spestmanagementprogramandpesticideusedecisions.NotificationofPesticideUse:Ourschoolsystemmayfinditnecessarytousepesticidestocontrolpestsatyourschoolorotherschoolsystemsite.NorthCarolinastatelawgivesyoutherighttobenotifiedannuallyofourschoolsystem’spesticideapplicationschedule,and72hoursinadvanceofpesticideapplicationsmadeoutsidethatschedule.Currentlynon-exemptpesticidesarenotscheduledforuseinRutherfordCounty

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Schoolfacilities.Intheeventcircumstancerequirestheapplicationofanon-exemptpesticide,publicnoticewillbemadeavailabletoallemployees,students,andparentsthrough72hourpostingontheRutherfordCountySchoolshomepage.Exemptions:Certainrelativelylow-riskpesticidesareexemptedfromthesenotificationrequirements,includingantimicrobialcleansers,disinfectants,self-containedbaitsandcrack-and-crevicetreatments,andanypesticideproductsclassifiedbytheUSEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)asbelongingtotheUSEPA’sToxicityClassIV,“relativelynontoxic.”Notificationextendstoallnonexemptpesticideapplicationsatyourschoolorothernon-schoolsite(officebuilding,garage,workshop,etc.),bothindoorandoutdoorpesticideapplications,andincludingapplicationsthattakeplaceoversummerrecess,holidays,weekends,orafterschoolhours.EmergencyPesticideUse:Intheeventthatanon-exemptpesticidemustbeusedforapestcontrolemergencyatyourschoolorothersiteandthereisnotadequatetimefornotificationmorethan72hoursinadvance,noticeofemergencypesticideapplicationwillnecessitatenoticelessthan72hoursbefore,orassoonaspossibleafterthepesticideapplication.

PestManagement(Policy9205)

Pestsaresignificantproblemsforpeopleandproperty.Thepesticidesthatarecommonlyusedinpestcontrolmayposepotentialrisktohumanhealthandtheenvironment.Theboardiscommittedtomaintainingasafeeducationalenvironmentwhilealsoprotectingthephysicalconditionsofschoolfacilities.Tothisend,theboardwillutilizeIntegratedPestManagement(IPM)programsorincorporateIPMproceduresintothemaintenanceprogramconductedbytheschoolsystem.ThesuperintendentwillappointanIPMcontactpersontofacilitatetheuseofIPMtechniques.Asnecessary,thesuperintendentwilldevelopadministrativeproceduresfortheIPMprogram.

A.OverviewofIntegratedPestManagement

IPMisacomprehensiveapproachthatcombineseffective,economic,environmentallysound,andsociallyacceptablemethodstopreventandsolvepestproblems.IPMemphasizespestpreventionandprovidesadecision-makingprocessfordeterminingif,whenandwherepestsuppressionisneededandwhatcontroltacticsareappropriate.

ThroughitsIPMprogram,theschoolsystemwillstrivetodothefollowing:

•Minimizeanypotentialhealth,environmentalandeconomicrisksfrompestsorfromtheuseofpestcontrolmethods;

•Minimizelossordamagetoschoolstructuresorpropertyfrompestsorfromtheuseofpestcontrolmethods;

•Minimizetheriskofpestsspreadingintothecommunity;and

•Enhancethequalityoffacilityusefortheschoolandcommunity.

Pesticideusewillnotbebasedsolelyonaschedule.Schoolpersonnelinchargeofpestmanagementwillconsiderhowandwhenpesticidesneedtobeusedtoachievethepestmanagementgoals.

B.UseofIPMinFacilityandMaintenanceOperations

Theschoolsystemshallincludepestmanagementconsiderationsinfacilitiesplanningandmaintenance.TheIPMcontactperson,inconjunctionwiththeschoolsystem’scontractedpestmanagementprofessionalwillrecommendtothesuperintendentanylandscaping,structuralmodifications,andsanitationchangesneededtoreduceorpreventpestproblems.Thesuperintendentwillreviewsuch

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recommendationsandmayauthorizeactiontoaddressnecessaryminorchangesinatimelymanner,asthebudgetpermits.Forsignificantchangesorchangesthatrequireasignificantexpenditureoffunds,thesuperintendentwillrecommendchangestotheboardforapproval.

C.ProvidingInformationonIPMtotheSchoolCommunity

Staff,students,pestmanagers,parentsandthepublicwillbeinformedaboutpotentialschoolpestproblems,schoolIPMpoliciesandprocedures,andtheirrespectiverolesinachievingthedesiredpestmanagementobjectives.Eachyear,theprincipalordesigneewillensurethatthestudenthandbookincludesthescheduleofanticipatedpesticideuseonschoolpropertyandanoticetoparents,guardiansandcustodiansoftheirrighttorequestnotificationofnonscheduledpesticideuse.Additionally,theprincipalordesigneeshallannuallynotifyschoolstaffofscheduledpesticideuseonschoolpropertyandoftheirrighttorequestnoticeofnonscheduledpesticideuse.Noticeofnonscheduledpesticideuseshouldbemadeatleast72hoursinadvanceofsuchuse,totheextentpossible.

D.Recordkeeping

Recordsofallpestmanagementactivitiesshallbemaintained,includinginspectionrecords,monitoringrecords,pestsurveillancedatasheetsorotherindicatorsofpestpopulations,andrecordsofstructuralrepairsandmodifications.Ifpesticidesareused,recordsshallbemaintainedonsitetomeettherequirementsofthestateregulatoryagencyandschoolboard.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-12(34)(d)and(e),-36,-47(47)

CrossReferences:SchoolSafety(policy1510/4200/7270),PlanningforFacilityNeeds(policy9000),CareandMaintenanceofFacilities(policy9200)

Adopted:May8,2007 Revised:January10,2012

StudentRestraint/Seclusion/Isolation

The School District has adopted Rutherford County Board of Education policy 4302 (School Plan forManagementofStudentBehavior),asrequiredbyN.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-391.1.Policy4302,aswellasN.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-391.1,arefullysetoutherein.

N.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-391.1

(a) ItisthepolicyoftheStateofNorthCarolinato:

(1) Promotesafetyandpreventharmtoallstudents,staff,andvisitorsinthepublic schools.(2) Treat all public school students with dignity and respect in the delivery of discipline, use of

physicalrestraintsorseclusion,anduseofreasonableforceas permittedbylaw.(3) Provide school staff with clear guidelines about what constitutes use of reasonable force

permissibleinNorthCarolinapublicschools.(4) Improve student achievement, attendance, promotion, and graduation rates by employing

positive behavioral interventions to address student behavior in a positive and safemanner.

(5) Promote retention of valuable teachers and other school personnel by providing appropriatetraining in prescribed procedures, which address student behavior in a positive and safemanner.

(b) Thefollowingdefinitionsapplyinthissection:(1) "Assistive technology device"means any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is

usedtoincrease,maintain,orimprovethefunctionalcapacitiesof achildwithadisability.(2) "Aversive procedure" means a systematic physical or sensory intervention program for

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modifying the behavior of a student with a disability which causes or reasonably may beexpectedtocauseoneormoreofthefollowing:a. Significant physical harm, such as tissue damage, physical illness, or death.b. Serious,foreseeablelong-termpsychologicalimpairment.c. Obviousrepulsiononthepartofobserverswhocannotreconcileextreme procedureswith

acceptable, standard practice, for example: electric shock applied to the body; extremelyloud auditory stimuli; forcible introduction of foul substances to the mouth, eyes, ears,nose, or skin; placement in a tub of coldwater or shower; slapping, pinching, hitting, orpullinghair;blindfoldingorotherformsofvisualblocking;unreasonablewithholdingofmeals;eatingone'sownvomit;ordenialof reasonableaccesstotoiletingfacilities.

(3) "Behavioral intervention"means the implementationof strategies to address behavior that isdangerous, disruptive, or otherwise impedes the learning of a studentorothers.

(4) "IEP"meansastudent'sIndividualizedEducationPlan.(5) "Isolation"means abehaviormanagement technique inwhicha student is placed alone inan

enclosedspacefromwhichthestudentispreventedfromleaving.(6) "Law enforcement officer" means a sworn law enforcement officer with the power to

arrest.(7) "Mechanical restraint" means the use of any device or material attached or adjacent to a

student's body that restricts freedom of movement or normal access to any portion of thestudent'sbodyandthatthestudentcannoteasilyremove.

(8) "Physical restraint"means the use of physical force to restrict the freemovement of all or aportionofastudent'sbody.

(9) "Schoolpersonnel"means:a. Employeesofalocalboardofeducation.b. Any person working on school grounds or at a school function under a contract or

written agreement with the public school system to provide educational or relatedservicestostudents.

c. Any person working on school grounds or at a school function for another agencyprovidingeducationalorrelatedservicestostudents.

(10) "Seclusion"means the confinement of a student alone in an enclosed space from which thestudentis:a. Physicallypreventedfromleavingbylockinghardwareorothermeans.b. Notcapableofleavingduetophysicalorintellectualincapacity.

(11) "Time-out"means a behaviormanagement technique inwhich a student is separated fromotherstudentsforalimitedperiodoftimeinamonitoredsetting.

(c) PhysicalRestraint:(1) Physical restraint of students by school personnel shall be considered a reasonable use of

forcewhenusedinthefollowingcircumstances:a. As reasonably needed to obtain possession of aweapon or other dangerousobjectsona

personorwithinthecontrolofaperson.b. Asreasonablyneededtomaintainorderorpreventorbreakupafight.c. Asreasonablyneededforself-defense.d. As reasonablyneeded toensure the safety of any student, school employee,volunteer,or

other person present, to teach a skill, to calm or comfort a student, or to prevent self-injuriousbehavior.

e. Asreasonablyneededtoescortastudentsafelyfromoneareatoanother.f. Ifusedasprovidedforinastudent'sIEPorSection504planorbehavior interventionplan.g. As reasonably needed to prevent imminent destruction to school or another person's

property.(2) Except as set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, physical restraint of students shall

notbeconsideredareasonableuseofforce,anditsuseisprohibited.(3) Physical restraint shall not be considered a reasonable use of force when used solely as a

disciplinaryconsequence.

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(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed toprevent theuse of forceby law enforcementofficersinthelawfulexerciseoftheirlawenforcementduties.

(d) MechanicalRestraint:(1) Mechanical restraint of students by school personnel is permissible only in the following

circumstances:a. When properly used as an assistive technology device included in the student's IEP or

Section 504 plan or behavior intervention plan or as otherwise prescribed for thestudentbyamedicalorrelatedservice provider.

b. Whenusingseatbeltsorothersafetyrestraintstosecurestudentsduring transportation.c. As reasonably needed to obtain possession of aweapon or other dangerousobjectsona

personorwithinthecontrolofaperson.d. Asreasonablyneededforself-defense.e. As reasonablyneeded to ensure the safety of any student, school employee,volunteer,or

otherpersonpresent.(2) Except as set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, mechanical restraint, including the

tying, taping, or strapping down of a student, shall not be considered a reasonable use offorce,anditsuseisprohibited.

(3) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the use of mechanical restraintdevices such as handcuffs by law enforcement officers in the lawful exercise of their lawenforcementduties.

(e) Seclusion:(1) Seclusion of students by school personnelmay be used in the following circumstances:

a. As reasonably needed to respond to a person in control of aweaponor otherdangerousobject.

b. Asreasonablyneededtomaintainorderorpreventorbreakupafight.c. Asreasonablyneededforself-defense.d. As reasonably needed when a student's behavior poses a threat of imminent physical

harm to self or others or imminent substantial destructionofschooloranotherperson'sproperty.

e. When used as specified in the student's IEP, Section 504 plan, or behavior interventionplan;and1. Thestudentismonitoredwhileinseclusionbyanadultinclose proximitywhoisable

toseeandhearthestudentatalltimes.2. The student is released from seclusion upon cessation of the behaviors that led

to the seclusion or as otherwise specified in thestudent'sIEPorSection504plan.3. Thespaceinwhichthestudentisconfinedhasbeenapprovedfor suchusebythelocal

educationagency.4. Thespaceisappropriatelylighted.5. Thespaceisappropriatelyventilatedandheatedorcooled.6. Thespaceisfreeofobjectsthatunreasonablyexposethestudent orotherstoharm.

(2) Except as set forth in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the use of seclusion is notconsideredreasonableforce,anditsuseisnotpermitted.

(3) Seclusionshallnotbeconsideredareasonableuseof forcewhenusedsolelyasa disciplinaryconsequence.

(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the use of seclusion by lawenforcementofficersinthelawfulexerciseoftheirlawenforcementduties.

(f) Isolation–Isolationispermittedasabehaviormanagementtechniqueprovidedthat:(1) The space used for isolation is appropriately lighted, ventilated, and heated or cooled.(2) Thedurationoftheisolationisreasonableinlightofthepurposeoftheisolation.(3) Thestudentisreasonablymonitoredwhileinisolation.(4) The isolation space is free of objects that unreasonably expose the student or others to

harm.(g) Time-out – Nothing in this section is intended to prohibit or regulate the use of time-out as

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definedinthissection.(h) AversiveProcedures – Theuseof aversiveprocedures asdefined in this section is prohibitedin

publicschools.(i) Nothinginthissectionmodifiestherightsofschoolpersonneltousereasonableforceas permitted

under N. C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-390.3 or modifies the rules and procedures governing disciplineunderN.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-390.1throughN.C.Gen.Stat.§115C-390.12.

(j) Notice,Reporting,andDocumentation.(1) Notice of Procedures – Each local board of education shall provide to school personneland

parents or guardians at the beginning of each school year copies of this section and all localboardpoliciesdevelopedtoimplementthissection.

(2) Noticeofspecifiedincidents:a. School personnel shall promptly notify the principal or principal's designeeof:

1. Anyuseofaversiveprocedures.2. Anyprohibiteduseofmechanicalrestraint.3. Any use of physical restraint resulting in observable physical injurytoastudent.4. Any prohibited use of seclusion or seclusion that exceeds ten minutes or the

amountoftimespecifiedonastudent'sbehavior interventionplan.b. Whenaprincipalorprincipal'sdesigneehaspersonalknowledgeor actualnoticeofanyof

theeventsdescribedinthissubdivision,the principalorprincipal'sdesigneeshallpromptlynotifythestudent'sparent orguardianandwillprovidethenameofaschoolemployeetheparentor guardiancancontactregardingtheincident.

(3) As used in subdivision (2) of this subsection, "promptly notify" means by the end of theworkdayduringwhichtheincidentoccurredwhenreasonablypossible,but noeventlaterthantheendoffollowingworkday.

(4) The parent or guardian of the student shall be provided with a written incident report forany incident reported under this sectionwithin a reasonable period of time, but in no eventlater than30days after the incident.Thewritten incident reportshallinclude:a. Thedate,timeofday,location,duration,anddescriptionofthe incident andinterventions.b. Theeventsoreventsthatleduptotheincident.c. Thenatureandextentofanyinjurytothestudent.d. The nameofaschoolemployeetheparentorguardiancancontact regardingtheincident.

(5) No local board of education or employee of a local board of education shall discharge,threaten, or otherwise retaliate against another employee of the board regarding thatemployee's compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment becausethe employee makes a report alleging a prohibited use of physical restraint, mechanicalrestraint, aversive procedure, or seclusion, unless the employee knew or should have knownthat thereportwas false.

(k) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a private cause of action against any localboardofeducation, itsagentsoremployees,oranyinstitutionsofhighereducation ortheiragentsoremployeesortocreateacriminaloffense.

ParentInformationforTitleISchools

All K-5 schools in this District receive federal funding through Title I. These funds are used to providesupplementalinstructiontostudentswhoareinneedofassistanceintheareaofreadingand,onoccasion,intheareaofmathematics.Ourgoalistoprovideearlyinterventiontostrugglinglearners.

Federal guidelines require that school districts provide a process by which parents may request thequalificationsoftheirchild’steacher,insuringthattheteachermeetsHighlyQualifiedstandards.AsaparentofastudentinaTitleIschool,youhavetherighttoknowthefollowinginformation:

1. Whethertheteacherhasmetstatequalificationsforthegradelevelsandsubjectareasinwhichtheteacherprovidesinstruction;

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2. Whether the teacher is teachingunder emergencyor otherprovisional status throughwhich statequalificationshavebeenwaived;

3. Thebaccalaureatedegreemajoroftheteacherandanyothergraduatecertificationordegreeheldbytheteacher,andthefieldofdisciplineofthecertificationordegree;and

4. Whetherthechildisprovidedservicesbyparaprofessionalsand,ifso,theirqualifications.Torequestthisinformation,pleasecontactDr.KeithSilver,FederalProgramsDirector,at828.288.2200.

FreeorReducedSchoolLunch

For the 2019-2020 school year, Rutherford County Schools will participate in the Community EligibilityProvision(CEP)sponsoredbyUSDA. Underthisprovision,allstudentswillreceivebreakfastandlunchfreeofcharge.Householdswillnotberequiredtocompleteanyformsinordertoreceivethisbenefit.

StudentDisciplinePolicies

Pursuant to N. C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-390.2(i), schools must make available all policies, rules andregulations regarding student discipline. For the Rutherford County Board of Education’s policies andregulations regarding student discipline, consult the Board’s online policy manual athttp://www.rcsnc.org/.

Allotherstudentdisciplineinformationwillbeprintedinstudenthandbooksormadeavailableontheschool’swebsiteatthebeginningoftheyear.Pleasevisithttp://www.rcsnc.org/formoreinformation.

StudentandParentComplaintandGrievanceProcedure

Forinformationontheparentandstudentcomplaintandgrievancepoliciesandprocedures,seeRutherfordCounty Board of Education policy 4010 (Student and Parent Grievance Procedure) available athttp://www.rcsnc.org/.

EqualAccesstoFacilities

The School District provides equal access to its facilities. For more information about accessing schoolfacilities,consultRutherfordCountyBoardofEducationpolicy5030(CommunityUseofFacilities)availableathttp://www.rcsnc.org/.

InformationRegardingAdvancedCourses

Pursuant toN.C.Gen. Stat. § 115C-83.4A(d), schoolsmust provide information to students andparents onavailableopportunitiesand theenrollmentprocess for students to takeadvanced courses. This informationwillbeprintedinstudenthandbooksormadeavailableontheschool’swebsiteat thebeginningoftheyear.Pleasevisithttp://www.rcsnc.org/formoreinformation.

SchoolBullying/Cyber-BullyingPolicies

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 115C-407.16(d), school principals shall provide the local board of education’s policyprohibitingbullyingandharassingbehavior,includingcyber-bullying,tostaff,studentsandparents.Acopyofthesepoliciesisavailableathttp://www.rcsnc.org/andwillbeprintedinstudentandemployeehandbooks.Hardcopiesofthepoliciesareavailablefromtheschoolprincipaluponrequest.

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StudentTestingInformationForinformationconcerningthedatesofsystem-wideandstate-mandatedteststhatstudentswillberequiredtotakeduringtheschoolyear,howtheresultsfromthetestwillbeusedandwhethereachtestisrequiredbytheStateBoardofEducationorthelocalBoardofEducation,pleasecontactMr.JohnMcSwain,DirectorofAccountabilityServices,at828.288.2200.

SchoolAnnualReportCardGradePursuanttoN.C.G.S.§115C-47(58),youwillbenotifiedofthemostrecentgradeoftheschoolyourchildisattending,asissuedbytheStateBoardofEducation,iftheschoolreceivedagradeof“D”or“F”.

StudentWellnessPolicyForinformationconcerningtheDistrict’sstudentwellnesspolicy,seeRutherfordCountyBoardofEducationpolicy6140(StudentWellness)availableathttp://www.rcsnc.org/.

SchoolHealthEducationProgramYouhavetherighttoopt-outyourchild’sparticipationincurricularelatedto:(a)preventionofsexuallytransmitteddiseases,includingAcquiredImmuneDeficiencySyndrome(AIDS);(b)avoidanceofout-of-wedlockpregnancy;or(c)reproductivehealthandsafetyeducation.Acopyofthematerialsthatwillbeusedinthesecurriculawillbeavailableintheschoolmediacenterduringtheschoolyearandatothertimesthatthemediacenterisavailabletothepublic.Materialsalsomaybemadeavailableforreviewinthecentraloffice.

LocalEducationAgencyReportCardForinformationconcerningtheDistrict’sLocalEducationAgencyReportCardrequiredbySection6311(h)(1)and(2)oftheElementaryandSecondaryEducationAct,oracopyoftheReportCard,contactDr.KeithSilver,DirectorofFederalPrograms,at828.288.2200.

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ATTENDANCE(POLICY4400)

Attendanceinschoolandparticipationinclassareintegralpartsofacademicachievementandtheteaching-learningprocess.Throughregularattendance,studentsdeveloppatternsofbehavioressentialtoprofessionalandpersonalsuccessinlife.Regularattendancebyeverystudentismandatory.TheStateofNorthCarolinarequiresthateverychildintheStatebetweentheagesof7(oryoungerifenrolled)and16attendschool.Parentsandlegalguardiansareresponsibleforensuringthatstudentsattendandremainatschooldaily.

A.ATTENDANCERECORDS

Schoolofficialsshallkeepaccuraterecordsofattendance,includingaccurateattendancerecordsineachclass.AttendancerecordswillbeusedtoenforcetheCompulsoryAttendanceLawofNorthCarolina.

B.EXCUSEDABSENCES

Whenastudentmustmissschool,awrittenexcusesignedbyaparentorguardianmustbepresentedtothestudent’steacheronthedaythestudentreturnsafteranabsence.Absencesduetoextendedillnessesmayalsorequireastatementfromaphysician.Anabsencemaybeexcusedforanyofthefollowingreasons:

1.personalillnessorinjurythatmakesthestudentphysicallyunabletoattendschool;

2.isolationorderedbytheStateBoardofHealth;

3.deathintheimmediatefamily;

4.medicalordentalappointment;

5.participationundersubpoenaasawitnessinacourtproceeding;

6.aminimumoftwodayseachacademicyearforobservanceofaneventrequiredorsuggestedbythereligionofthestudentorthestudent’sparent(s);

7.participationinavalideducationalopportunity,suchastravelorserviceasalegislativeorGovernor’spage,withpriorapprovalfromtheprincipal;

8.pregnancyandrelatedconditionsorparenting,whenmedicallynecessary;or

9.visitationwiththestudent’sparentorlegalguardian,atthediscretionoftheSuperintendentordesignee,iftheparentorlegalguardian(a)isanactivedutymemberoftheuniformedservicesasdefinedbypolicy4050,ChildrenofMilitaryFamilies,and(b)hasbeencalledtodutyfor,isonleavefrom,orhasimmediatelyreturnedfromdeploymenttoacombatzoneorcombatsupportposting.

Inthecaseofexcusedabsences,short-termout-of-schoolsuspensions,andabsencesunderG.S.130A-440(forfailuretosubmitaschoolhealthassessmentformwithin30daysofenteringschool)thestudentwillbepermittedtomakeuphisorherwork.(Seealsopolicies4110,ImmunizationandHealthRequirementsforSchoolAdmission,and4351,Short-TermSuspension.)Theteacherwill

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determinewhenworkistobemadeup.Thestudentisresponsibleforfindingoutwhatassignmentsaredueandcompletingthemwithinthespecifiedtimeperiod.

Theprincipalshallhavediscretiontoexcusetemporaryoroccasionalabsencesforothergoodandsufficientreasons.

C.SCHOOL-RELATEDACTIVITIES

Allclassroomactivitiesareimportantanddifficult,ifnotimpossible,toreplaceifmissed.Principalsshallensurethatclassesmissedbystudentsduetoschool-relatedactivitiesarekepttoanabsoluteminimum.Thefollowingschool-relatedactivitieswillnotbecountedasabsencesfromeitherclassorschool:

1.fieldtripssponsoredbytheschool;

2.jobshadowsandotherwork-basedlearningopportunities,asdescribedinG.S.115C-47(34a);

3.school-initiatedand-scheduledactivities;

4.athleticeventsthatrequireearlydismissalfromschool;

5.CareerandTechnicalEducationstudentorganizationactivitiesapprovedinadvancebytheprincipal;and

6.in-schoolsuspensions.

Assignmentsmissedforthesereasonsareeligibleformakeupbythestudent.Theteacherwilldeterminewhenworkistobemadeup.Thestudentisresponsibleforfindingoutwhatassignmentsaredueandcompletingthemwithinthespecifiedtimeperiod.

D.EXCESSIVEABSENCES

Classattendanceandparticipationarecriticalelementsoftheeducationalprocessandmaybetakenintoaccountinassessingacademicachievement.Studentsareexpectedtobeatschoolontimeandtobepresentatthescheduledstartingtimeforeachclass.Studentswhoareexcessivelytardytoschoolorclassmaybesuspendedforuptotwodaysforsuchoffenses.

TheprincipalshallnotifyparentsandtakeallotherstepsrequiredbyG.S.115C-378forexcessiveabsences.Studentsmaybesuspendedforuptotwodaysfortruancy.

ElementaryandMiddleSchoolStudents

Elementaryandmiddleschoolstudentswhoaccumulatemorethantwelve(12)absencesduringaschoolyearwillberetained,exceptinunusualcaseswithextenuatingcircumstancesasdeterminedbytheprincipal.

HighSchoolStudents

Highschoolstudentswhoaccumulatemorethantwo(2)absencesfromacoursewithinagradingperiodwillreceiveafailinggradeforthatcourseduringthegradingperiodinwhichtheexcessive

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absencesareaccumulatedunlesstheclassworkandtimemissedduetoexcessiveabsencesaremadeupinaccordancewithproceduresestablishedbytheSuperintendentorprincipal.Insuchcases:

1.Studentswithagradeotherwisehigherthan55(F)willbeawardedagradeof55(F)forthatgradingperiod.

2.Studentswithagradeotherwiseequaltoorlowerthan55(F)willbeawardedtheiractualgradeforthatgradingperiod.

Theprincipalmaygrantexceptionstothisprovisionconsistentwiththefollowingprocedures:

1.Ahighschoolstudentwhoreceivesafailinggradeastheresultofexcessiveabsencesmayrequestawaiverofthisconsequencefromtheprincipal,providedthat(a)theexcessiveabsencesareexcusedasprovidedinsectionBofthispolicy,and(b)theexcessiveabsencesareattributabletoextenuatingcircumstancesbeyondthestudent’scontrol.

2.Ifthestudent’swaiverrequestisdeniedbytheprincipal,thenthestudent’sparentorguardianmayrequestadditionalreviewbyaschool-levelattendancecommittee.Thereviewrequestmustbesubmittedtotheprincipalnolaterthanfive(5)schooldaysfollowingtheprincipal’sdecision.Theschool-levelattendancecommitteeshallconsiderwhetherornotthestudent’sgradeshouldbereducedasaresultoftheexcessiveabsences.Thecommitteeshallreviewothermeasuresofacademicachievement,thecircumstancesoftheabsences,thenumberofabsences,andtheextenttowhichthestudentcompletedworkmissedduringtheabsences.Thecommitteemayrecommendtotheprincipalandtheprincipalmaymakeanyofthefollowingdeterminations:

a.Thestudentwillnotreceiveapassinggradeforthegradingperiod;

b.Thestudent’spassinggradeforthegradingperiodwillbereducedtoalowerpassinggrade;

c.Thestudentwillreceivethegradeotherwiseearned;or,

d.Thestudentwillbegivenadditionaltimetocompleteworkmissedduringtheabsencesbeforeafinaldeterminationoftheappropriategradeismade.

Studentswithexcusedabsencesduetodocumentedchronichealthproblemsareexemptfromthisprovisionofthepolicy.Inaddition,forstudentsexperiencinghomelessness(seeboardpolicy4125,HomelessStudents),schoolofficialsmustconsiderissuesrelatedtothestudent’shomelessness,suchasachangeofcaregiversornighttimeresidence,beforetakingdisciplinaryactionorimposingotherbarrierstoschoolattendancebasedonexcessiveabsencesortardies.

Excessiveabsencesmayimpacteligibilityforparticipationininterscholasticathletics.Seepolicy3620,ExtracurricularActivitiesandStudentOrganizations.

LegalReferences:McKinney-VentoHomelessAssistanceAct,42U.S.C.11431,etseq.;G.S.115C-47,-84.2,-288(a),-375.5,-378to-383,-390.2(d),-390.2(l),-390.5,-407.5;130A-440;16N.C.A.C.6E.0102,.0103;StateBoardofEducationPoliciesATND-000,-003,NCAC-6E.0104

CrossReferences:ExtracurricularActivitiesandStudentOrganizations(policy3620),EducationforPregnantandParentingStudents(policy4023),ChildrenofMilitaryFamilies(policy4050),ImmunizationandHealth

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RequirementsforSchoolAdmission(policy4110),HomelessStudents(policy4125),Short-TermSuspension(policy4351)

Adopted:July8,1997

Revised:July2003;July2005,June26,2007;August4,2015;February2,2016;May3,2017;June5,2018

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HEADLICE(POLICY4235/6135)Pediculosis(headlice)isacommonparasiticinfestationamongschoolagechildren.Whilenotknowntotransmitdisease,headliceareagreatnuisance,causingclassroomdisruption,unnecessaryabsence,andanxietyandfrustrationforstudents,parentsandeducators.TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation'spolicyonpediculosisseekstodecreasethenumberofliceinfestationsinourschoolandcontroltransmissioninourschools,whileeducatingschoolfaculty,parentsandstudentstohelpthemdealrationallywiththisnuisance.

Theinstitutionofalicecontrolprogramhelpsreducethepossibilityoffurtherspreadofliceintheclassroomandshortenstheamountoftimelostfromclass.Tothisend,studentswillnotbeallowedtoattendschoolwhenlice(livebugs)ornits(eggs)arepresent.Eventhoughheadlicedonotcarryanydiseasenordoestheirpresencemeanthatachildhasnotbeenkeptclean,itisacommunicableconditionthatiseasilyspreadamongstudents.Inaddition,sinceschoolstaffmembersmaybeunabletodeterminewhethernitsaredeadaftertreatment,thepresenceofliceornitsrequiresthatthestudentremainathome.Studentsarenottoreturntoschooluntiltheyhavereceivedtreatmentandallliceandnitshavebeenremovedfromthechild,asverifiedthroughre-screeningbyschoolstaff.Schoolnursesareresponsibleforcoordinationofallpediculosiseducationforparents,studentsandschoolemployees.Eachprincipalshallappointatleasttwopersonnelmemberstobetrainedinheadliceinspectionandfollowup.ScreeningforheadliceforallstudentsingradesK-5willbedoneduringthefirstweekoftheschoolyear,duringthefirstweekfollowingChristmasvacation,andasneededwhenastudentisdetectedwitheithernitsorlice.Parents/guardianswillbenotifiedofthepresenceofheadlicepursuanttoproceduresestablishedbythesuperintendent.Ifachildisabsentrepeatedlyduetoheadliceorthereisevidencethatachildhasbeenneglectedwithrespecttotreatmentofheadlice,theschoolprincipalshallreferthecasetothedepartmentofsocialservices.Uptothreedaysofabsenceduetothe"nonitpolicy"maybeconsideredanexcusedmedicalabsence.Beyondthis,studentswillbegivenopportunities(asestablishedbytheprincipal)tomakeupabsences.Thesuperintendentwilldevelopprocedurestoimplementthispolicy.Suchproceduresshallincludecoordinatingwiththelocalhealthdirectorconcerningmethodstocontrolheadliceintheschools.LegalReferences:G.S.115C-36;130A-19,-41,-144,-145;15N.C.A.C.19A.0201;AmericanPublicHealthAssociation,ControlofCommunicableDiseasesManual(1995)CrossReferences:CommunicableDiseases--Students(policy4230)Adopted:April3,2001Revised:January9,2007

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STUDENTCONDUCT

ProhibitionAgainstDiscrimination,Harassment,andBullying(Policy1710/4021/7230)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)acknowledgesthedignityandworthofallstudentsandemployeesandstrivestocreateasafe,orderly,caring,andinvitingschoolenvironmenttofacilitatestudentlearningandachievement.TheBoardprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,orageandwillprovideequalaccesstotheBoyScoutsandotherdesignatedyouthgroupsasrequiredbylaw.TheBoardwillnottolerateanyformofunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,orbullyinginanyofitseducationaloremploymentactivitiesorprograms.Anyviolationofthispolicywillbeconsideredseriousandschoolofficialsshallpromptlytakeappropriateactiontoaddresstheviolation.

A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR

Students,schoolsystememployees,volunteers,andvisitorsareexpectedtobehaveinacivilandrespectfulmanner.TheBoardexpresslyprohibitsunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingbystudents,employees,boardmembers,volunteers,orvisitors.“Visitors”includesparentsandotherfamilymembersandindividualsfromthecommunity,aswellasvendors,contractors,andotherpersonsdoingbusinesswithorperformingservicesfortheschoolsystem.

StudentsareexpectedtocomplywiththebehaviorstandardsestablishedbyBoardpolicy,theCodeofStudentConduct,andschoolandclassroomrules.EmployeesareexpectedtocomplywithBoardpolicy,schoolsystemregulations,andschoolrules.VolunteersandvisitorsonschoolpropertyalsoareexpectedtocomplywithBoardpolicy,schoolsystemregulations,andschoolrulesandprocedures.

Thispolicyappliestobehaviorthattakesplace:(1)inanyschoolbuildingoronanyschoolpremisesbefore,duringorafterschoolhours;(2)onanybusorothervehicleaspartofanyschoolactivity;(3)atanybusstop;(4)duringanyschool-sponsoredactivityorextracurricularactivity;(5)atanytimeorplacewhentheindividualissubjecttotheauthorityofschoolpersonnel;or(6)atanytimeorplacewhenthebehaviorhasadirectandimmediateeffectonmaintainingorderanddisciplineintheschools.

B.DEFINITIONS

Forpurposesofthispolicy,thefollowingdefinitionsapply:

1.Discrimination

Discriminationmeansanyactorfailuretoact,whetherintentionalorunintentional,thatunreasonablyandunfavorablydifferentiatestreatmentofothersbasedsolelyontheirmembershipinasociallydistinctgrouporcategory,suchasrace,ethnicity,sex,pregnancy,religion,age,ordisability.

2.HarassmentandBullying

a.Harassmentorbullyingbehaviorisdeliberateconductintendedtoharmanotherpersonorgroupofpersons.Suchconductviolatesthispolicywhenanypatternofgesturesorwritten,electronic,orverbalcommunications,oranyphysicalactoranythreateningcommunication:

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1)placesastudentorschoolemployeeinactualandreasonablefearofharmtohisorherpersonordamagetohisorherproperty;or

2)createsoriscertaintocreateahostileenvironmentbysubstantiallyinterferingwithorimpairingastudent’seducationalperformance,opportunities,orbenefitsorbyadverselyalteringtheconditionsofanemployee’semployment.

“Hostileenvironment”meansthatthevictimsubjectivelyviewstheconductasharassmentorbullyingandthattheconductisobjectivelysevereorpervasiveenoughthatareasonablepersonwouldagreethatitisharassmentorbullying.Ahostileenvironmentmaybecreatedthroughpervasiveorpersistentmisbehaviororasingleincident,ifsufficientlysevere.

Harassmentandbullyinginclude,butarenotlimitedto,behaviordescribedabovethatisreasonablyperceivedasbeingmotivatedbyanyactualorperceiveddifferentiatingcharacteristicormotivatedbyanindividual’sassociationwithapersonwhohasorisperceivedtohaveadifferentiatingcharacteristic,suchasrace,color,religion,ancestry,nationalorigin,gender,socioeconomicstatus,academicstatus,genderidentity,physicalappearance,sexualorientation,ormental,physical,developmental,orsensorydisability.Examplesofbehaviorthatmayconstitutebullyingorharassmentinclude,butarenotlimitedto,actsofdisrespect,intimidation,orthreats,suchasverbaltaunts,name-callingandput-downs,epithets,derogatorycommentsorslurs,lewdpropositions,exclusionfrompeergroups,extortionofmoneyorpossessions,impliedorstatedthreats,assault,impedingorblockingmovement,offensivetouching,oranyphysicalinterferencewithnormalworkormovement,andvisualinsults,suchasderogatorypostersorcartoons.Harassmentandbullyingmayoccurthroughelectronicmeans(“cyberbullying”),suchasthroughtheInternet,emailing,ortextmessaging,orbyuseofpersonalwebsitestosupportdeliberateandrepeatedbehaviorintendedtocauseharmtopersonsorgroups.Legitimateage-appropriatepedagogicaltechniquesarenotconsideredharassmentorbullying.

Harassment,includingsexualorgender-basedharassment,asdescribedbelow,isnotlimitedtospecificsituationsorrelationships.Itmayoccurbetweenfellowstudentsorco-workers,betweensupervisorsandsubordinates,betweenemployeesandstudents,orbetweennon-employees,includingvisitors,andemployeesorstudents.Harassmentmayoccurbetweenmembersoftheoppositesexorthesamesex.

b.Sexualharassmentisaformofharassmentthatviolatesthispolicy.Unwelcomesexualadvances,requestsforsexualfavors,andotherverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnatureconstitutesexualharassmentwhen:

1)submissiontotheconductismade,eitherexplicitlyorimplicitly,atermorconditionofanindividual’semployment,academicprogress,orcompletionofaschool-relatedactivity;

2)submissiontoorrejectionofsuchconductisusedasthebasisforemploymentdecisionsaffectingtheindividual,orinthecaseofastudent,submissiontoorrejectionofsuchconductisusedinevaluatingthestudent’sperformancewithinacourseofstudyorotherschool-relatedactivity;or

3)suchconductissufficientlysevere,persistent,orpervasivethatithasthepurposeoreffectof(a)unreasonablyinterferingwithanemployee’sworkorperformanceorastudent’seducationalperformance,(b)limitingastudent’s

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abilitytoparticipateinorbenefitfromaneducationalprogramorenvironment,or(c)creatinganabusive,intimidating,hostile,oroffensiveworkoreducationalenvironment.

Sexuallyharassingconductincludes,butisnotlimitedto,deliberate,unwelcometouchingthathassexualconnotationsorisofasexualnature,suggestionsordemandsforsexualinvolvementaccompaniedbyimpliedorovertpromisesofpreferentialtreatmentorthreats,pressureforsexualactivity,continuedorrepeatedoffensivesexualflirtations,advancesorpropositions,continuedorrepeatedverbalremarksaboutanindividual’sbody,sexuallydegradingwordsusedtowardanindividualortodescribeanindividual,sexualassault,sexualviolence,orthedisplayofsexuallysuggestivedrawings,objects,pictures,orwrittenmaterials.Actsofverbal,nonverbal,orphysicalaggression,intimidation,orhostilitybasedonsex,butnotinvolvingsexualactivityorlanguage,maybecombinedwithincidentsofsexuallyharassingconducttodetermineiftheincidentsofsexuallyharassingconductaresufficientlyserioustocreateasexuallyhostileenvironment.

Asprovidedinpolicy4040/7310,Staff-StudentRelations,employeesarestrictlyprohibitedfromengaginginaromanticorsexualrelationshipwithanystudentenrolledintheschoolsystem,whetherornottherelationshipisconsensual.Suchconductisprohibitedwhetherornotitconstitutessexualharassment.

c.Gender-basedharassmentisalsoatypeofharassmentthatviolatesthispolicy.Gender-basedharassmentmayincludeactsofverbal,nonverbal,orphysicalaggression,intimidation,orhostilitybasedonsexorsex-stereotypingbutnotinvolvingconductofasexualnature.

C.REPORTINGANDINVESTIGATINGCOMPLAINTSOFDISCRIMINATION,HARASSMENT,ORBULLYING

Anypersonwhobelievesthatheorshehasbeendiscriminatedagainst,harassed,orbulliedinviolationofthispolicybyanystudent,employee,orotherpersonunderthesupervisionandcontroloftheschoolsystem,oranythirdpersonwhoknowsorsuspectsconductthatmayconstitutediscrimination,harassment,orbullying,shouldinformaschoolofficialdesignatedtoreceivesuchcomplaints,asdescribedinpolicy1720/4015/7225,Discrimination,Harassment,andBullyingComplaintProcedure.

Anyemployeewhohaswitnessed,orwhohasreliableinformationthatanotherpersonmayhavebeensubjectedtodiscrimination,harassment,orbullyinginviolationofthispolicyhasadutytoreportsuchconductinaccordancewithpolicy1720/4015/7225.Employeeswhoobserveanincidentofharassmentorbullyingareexpectedtointervenetostoptheconductinsituationsinwhichtheyhavesupervisorycontrolovertheperpetratoranditissafetodoso.Ifanemployeeknowsofanincidentinvolvingdiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingandtheemployeefailstoreporttheconductortakeproperactionorknowinglyprovidesfalseinformationinregardtotheincident,theemployeewillbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionupto,andincluding,dismissal.

Reports,exceptmandatoryemployeereports,maybemadeanonymously,andallreportswillbeinvestigatedinaccordancewithpolicy1720/4015/7225.

D.RESPONDINGTOOCCURRENCESOFDISCRIMINATION,HARASSMENT,ORBULLYING

1.ConsequencesforthePerpetrator

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a.DisciplinaryConsequencesforStudents

Studentswillbedisciplinedinaccordancewiththeschool’sstudentbehaviormanagementplan(seepolicy4302,SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior).Basedonthenatureandseverityoftheoffenseandthecircumstancessurroundingtheincident,thestudentwillbesubjecttoappropriateconsequencesandremedialactionsrangingfrompositivebehavioralinterventionsupto,andincluding,expulsion.Inaddition,theviolationmayalsobereportedtolawenforcement,asappropriate.

Incidentsofmisbehaviorthatdonotrisetothelevelofdiscriminatoryharassmentorbullyingmayviolateacceptablestandardsofstudentbehavior,including,butnotlimitedto,theexpectationthatstudentswilldemonstratecivilityandintegrityintheiractionsandinteractionswithothers.Seepolicy4310,IntegrityandCivility.TheconsequencesforsuchbehaviorwillbeconsistentwithapplicableboardpolicyandtheCodeofStudentConduct.

Thispolicywillnotbeconstruedtoallowschoolofficialstopunishstudentexpressionorspeechbasedonundifferentiatedfearorapprehensionofadisturbanceoroutofadesiretoavoidthediscomfortandunpleasantnessthatmayaccompanyanunpopularviewpoint.

b.DisciplinaryConsequencesforEmployees

Employeeswhoviolatethispolicywillbesubjecttodisciplinaryactionupto,andincluding,dismissal.Inaddition,theviolationmayalsobereportedtolawenforcement,asappropriate.Nothinginthispolicywillprecludetheschoolsystemfromtakingdisciplinaryactionagainstanemployeewhentheevidencedoesnotestablishunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,orbullying,buttheconductotherwiseviolatesboardpolicyorexpectedstandardsofemployeebehavior.

c.ConsequencesforOtherPerpetrators

Volunteersandvisitorswhoviolatethispolicywillbedirectedtoleaveschoolpropertyand/orreportedtolawenforcement,asappropriate,inaccordancewithpolicy5020,VisitorstotheSchools.Athirdpartyunderthesupervisionandcontroloftheschoolsystemwillbesubjecttoterminationofcontracts/agreements,restrictedfromschoolproperty,and/orsubjecttootherconsequences,asappropriate.

2.ConsiderationofNeedforMoreExtensiveResponse

Schooladministratorsshallconsiderwhetherthemisconductwarrantsmorethanjustaresponseattheindividuallevel.Giventhenatureandseverityofthemisconduct,theadministratorsmaydeterminethataclassroom,school-wide,orschoolsystem-wideresponseisnecessary.Suchclassroom,school-wide,orschoolsystem-wideresponsesmayincludeadditionalstafftraining,harassmentandbullyingpreventionprograms,andothermeasuresdeemedappropriatebythesuperintendenttoaddressthebehavior.Theactionstakenmustbereasonablycalculatedtoendthebehavior,eliminateahostileenvironmentanditseffectsifonehasbeencreated,andpreventrecurrenceofthebehavior.

3.RetaliationProhibited

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Theboardprohibitsreprisalorretaliationagainstanypersonfor(a)reportingorintendingtoreportviolationsofthispolicy,(b)supportingsomeoneforreportingorintendingtoreportaviolationofthispolicy,or(c)participatingintheinvestigationofreportedviolationsofthispolicy.

Afterconsiderationofthenatureandcircumstancesofthereprisalorretaliationandinaccordancewithapplicablefederal,state,orlocallaws,policies,andregulations,thesuperintendentordesigneeshalldeterminetheconsequencesandremedialactionforapersonfoundtohaveengagedinreprisalorretaliation.

E.TRAININGANDPROGRAMS

TheBoarddirectstheSuperintendenttoestablishtrainingandotherprogramsthataredesignedtopreventdiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingandtofosteranenvironmentofunderstandingandrespectforallmembersoftheschoolcommunity.Informationaboutthispolicyandtherelatedcomplaintproceduremustbeincludedinthetrainingplan.

Asfundsareavailable,theBoardwillprovideadditionaltrainingforstudents,employees,andvolunteerswhohavesignificantcontactwithstudentsregardingtheBoard’seffortstoaddressdiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingandwillcreateprogramstoaddresstheseissues.Thetrainingorprogramsshould(1)provideexamplesofbehaviorthatconstitutesdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying;(2)teachemployeestoidentifygroupsthatmaybethetargetofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying;and(3)trainschoolemployeestobealerttolocationswheresuchbehaviormayoccur,includinglocationswithinschoolbuildings,atschoolbusstops,oncellphones,andontheInternet.

F.NOTICE

TheSuperintendentisresponsibleforprovidingeffectivenoticetostudents,parents,andemployeesofthispolicyandoftheproceduresforreportingandinvestigatingcomplaintsofdiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingestablishedinpolicy1720/4015/7225,Discrimination,Harassment,andBullyingComplaintProcedure.Thesuperintendentmustensurethateachprincipalprovidesacopyofthispolicyandpolicy1720/4015/7225tostudents,employees,andparentsorotherresponsiblecaregiversatthebeginningofeachschoolyear.Inaddition,bothpoliciesmustbepostedontheschoolsystemwebsite,andcopiesofthepoliciesmustbereadilyavailableateachschoolandworksite.Noticeofthepoliciesmustappearinallstudentandemployeehandbooksandinanyschoolorschoolsystempublicationthatsetsforththecomprehensiverules,procedures,andstandardsofconductforstudentsandemployees.

G.COORDINATORS

Thesuperintendenthasappointedthefollowingindividualstocoordinatetheschoolsystem’seffortstocomplywithandcarryoutitsresponsibilitiesunderfederalnon-discriminationlaws.TheseresponsibilitiesincludeinvestigatinganycomplaintscommunicatedtoschoolofficialsallegingnoncompliancewithTitleVIorTitleIXoftheCivilRightsAct,Section504oftheRehabilitationAct,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA),theAgeDiscriminationAct,and/ortheBoyScoutsAct,orallegingactionswhichwouldbeprohibitedbythoselaws.

1.TitleIXCoordinator

Name:Ms.AmyHopps

OfficeAddress:382WestMainStreet,ForestCity,NC28043

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PhoneNumber:828.288.2200

2.Section504Coordinator

Name:Ms.LisaBlanton



3.ADACoordinator

Name:Ms.AmyHopps



4.AgeDiscriminationCoordinator

Name:Ms.AmyHopps



5.CoordinatorforOtherNon-discriminationLaws

Name:Ms.AmyHopps



H.RECORDSANDREPORTING

TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallmaintainconfidentialrecordsofcomplaintsorreportsofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.Therecordsmustidentifythenamesofallindividualsaccusedofsuchoffensesandtheresolutionofsuchcomplaintsorreports.TheSuperintendentalsoshallmaintainrecordsoftrainingconductedandcorrectiveaction(s)orotherstepstakenbytheschoolsystemtoprovideanenvironmentfreeofdiscrimination,harassment,andbullying.

TheSuperintendentshallreporttotheStateBoardofEducationallverifiedcasesofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.ThereportmustbemadethroughtheDisciplineDataCollectionReportorthroughothermeansrequiredbytheStateBoard.

I.EVALUATION

TheSuperintendentshallevaluatetheeffectivenessofeffortstocorrectorpreventdiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingandshallsharetheseevaluationsperiodicallywiththeBoard.

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LegalReferences:AgeDiscriminationinEmploymentActof1967,29U.S.C.621etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.110;AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12101etseq.,28C.F.R.pt.35;RehabilitationActof1973,29U.S.C.705(20),794,34C.F.R.pt.104;TitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,42U.S.C.2000detseq.,34C.F.R.pt.100;TitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,42U.S.C.2000eetseq.,29C.F.R.pt.1604;TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,20U.S.C.1681etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.106;BoyScoutsofAmericaEqualAccessAct,20U.S.C.7905,34C.F.R.pt.108;RacialIncidentsandHarassmentAgainstStudentsatEducationalInstitutions;InvestigativeGuidance,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(1994);RevisedSexualHarassmentGuidance:HarassmentofStudentsbySchoolEmployees,OtherStudents,orThirdParties,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2001);NoticeofNon-Discrimination,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2010);DearColleagueLetter(Bullying),U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2010),availableathttp://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201010.pdf;DearColleagueLetter(SexualHarassment),U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2006),availableathttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/sexhar-2006.html;Q&AonCampusSexualMisconduct,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2017),availableathttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-title-ix-201709.pdf;Oncalev.SundownerOffshoreServices,523U.S.75(1998);G.S.115C-335.5,-407.15through-407.18;126-16;StateBoardofEducationPolicySSCH-000

CrossReferences:Discrimination,Harassment,andBullyingComplaintProcedure(policy1720/4015/7225),NondiscriminationontheBasisofDisabilities(policy1730/4022/7231),ProhibitionAgainstRetaliation(policy1760/7280),EqualEducationalOpportunities(policy4001),Staff-StudentRelations(policy4040/7310),SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),VisitorstotheSchools(policy5020),CommunityUseofFacilities(policy5030),RecruitmentandSelectionofPersonnel(policy7100),ProfessionalEmployees:DemotionandDismissal(policy7930),ClassifiedPersonnel:SuspensionandDismissal(policy7940)

Adopted:March8,2005

Revised:June6,2006;June3,2008;December8,2009;June7,2011;April15,2014;December9,2014;February2,2016;May1,2017;June5,2018

Discrimination,Harassment,andBullyingComplaintProcedure(Policy1720/4015/7225)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)takesseriouslyallcomplaintsofunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,andbullying.Theprocessprovidedinthispolicyisdesignedforthoseindividualswhobelievethattheymayhavebeendiscriminatedagainst,bullied,orharassedinviolationofpolicy1710/4021/7230,ProhibitionAgainstDiscrimination,Harassment,andBullying,orpolicy1730/4022/7231,NondiscriminationontheBasisofDisabilities.Individualswhohavewitnessedorwhohavereliableinformationthatanotherpersonhasbeensubjecttounlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingalsoshouldusetheprocessprovidedinthispolicytoreportsuchviolationstooneoftheschoolsystemofficialslistedinsubsectionC.1.Inaddition,theprocessinthispolicyshouldbeusedtoreportaviolationofpolicy4040/7310,Staff-StudentRelations.

Anyreportmadethroughtheprocessestablishedinthispolicymaybemadeanonymously,exceptmandatoryemployeereports.Theschoolsystemwillensurethatinstitutionalinterestsdonotinterferewiththeimpartialityoftheprocessforinvestigatingandresolvingcomplaintsestablishedinthispolicy.

Theprocesssetforthinthispolicydoesnotapplytoallegationsregardingorrelatedtotheidentification,evaluation,educationalplacement,orfreeappropriatepubliceducationofastudentunderSection504ortheIDEA.Suchallegationsmayberaisedthroughtheproceduresestablishedunderpolicy1730/4022/7231,NondiscriminationontheBasisofDisabilities(forSection504complaints),orinaccordancewiththe

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proceduresdescribedintheParentsRightsHandbookpublishedbytheNCDepartmentofPublicInstruction(forIDEAcomplaints).

A.DEFINITIONS

1.AllegedPerpetrator

Theallegedperpetratoristheindividualallegedtohavediscriminatedagainst,harassed,orbulliedthecomplainant.

2.Complaint

Acomplaintisanoralorwrittennotificationmadebyapersonwhobelievesheorsheisthevictimofunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.

3.Complainant

Thecomplainantistheindividualcomplainingofbeingdiscriminatedagainst,harassed,orbullied.

4.Days

Daysaretheworkingdays,exclusiveofSaturdays,Sundays,vacationdays,orholidays,assetforthintheschoolcalendar.Incountingdays,thefirstdaywillbethefirstfullworkingdayfollowingreceiptofthecomplaint.WhenacomplaintissubmittedonorafterMay1,timelimitswillconsistofallweekdays(Monday–Friday)sothatthemattermayberesolvedbeforethecloseoftheschooltermorassoonthereafteraspossible.

5.InvestigativeReport

Theinvestigativereportisawrittenaccountofthefindingsoftheinvestigationconductedinresponsetoacomplaint.

6.Investigator

Theinvestigatoristheschoolofficialresponsibleforinvestigatingandrespondingtothecomplaint.Theinvestigatormustbeapersonfreeofactualorreasonablyperceivedconflictsofinterestandbiasesfororagainstanyparty.

7.Report

Areportisanoralorwrittennotificationthatanindividual,otherthanthereporter,isasuspectedperpetratororvictimofunlawfuldiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.

B.REPORTINGBYEMPLOYEESOROTHERTHIRDPARTIES

1.MandatoryReportingbySchoolEmployees

Anyemployeewhowitnessedorwhohasreliableinformationorreasontobelievethatastudentorotherindividualmayhavebeendiscriminatedagainst,harassed,orbulliedinviolationofpolicy1710/4021/7230orpolicy1730/4022/7231mustreporttheoffense

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immediatelytoanappropriateindividualdesignatedinsubsectionC.1,below.Suspectedviolationsofpolicy4040/7310,Staff-StudentRelations,shouldbereporteddirectlytothesuperintendentordesignee.Anemployeewhodoesnotpromptlyreportpossiblediscrimination,harassment,orbullyingorviolationsofpolicy4040/7310shallbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

2.ReportingbyOtherThirdParties

Allmembersoftheschoolcommunityincludingstudents,parents,volunteers,andvisitorsarealsostronglyencouragedtoreportanyactthatmayconstituteanincidentofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.

3.AnonymousReporting

Reportsofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingmaybemadeanonymously(exceptmandatoryreportsbyschoolemployees)butformaldisciplinaryactionmaynotbetakensolelyonthebasisofananonymousreport.Asafetytiplineisavailableforanonymousreportingatthemiddleandhighschools.

4.InvestigationofReports

Schoolofficialsshallsufficientlyinvestigateallreportsofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying,eveniftheallegedvictimdoesnotfileacomplaintorseekactionbyschoolofficials,tounderstandwhatoccurredandtodeterminewhetherfurtheractionunderthispolicyorotherwiseisnecessary.Schoolofficialsshalltakesuchactionasappropriateunderthecircumstances,regardlessoftheallegedvictim’swillingnesstocooperate.Attheoptionoftheallegedvictim,thereportmaybetreatedasacomplaintbytheallegedvictimunderthispolicy.

C.COMPLAINTSBROUGHTBYALLEGEDVICTIMSOFDISCRIMINATION,HARASSMENT,ORBULLYING

1.FilingaComplaint

Anyindividualwhobelievesthatheorshehasbeendiscriminatedagainst,harassed,orbulliedisstronglyencouragedtofileacomplaintorallyorinwritingtoanyofthefollowingindividuals:

a.theprincipalorassistantprincipaloftheschoolatwhicheithertheallegedperpetratororallegedvictimattendsorisemployed;

b.animmediatesupervisoriftheindividualmakingthecomplaintisanemployee;

c.theDirectorofHumanResourcesiftheallegedperpetratororallegedvictimisanemployeeoftheschoolsystem(ortheSuperintendentiftheDirectorofHumanResourcesistheallegedperpetrator);

d.theTitleIXcoordinatorforclaimsofsexdiscriminationorsexualharassment(seepolicy1710/4021/7230forcontactinformation);

e.theSection504coordinatorortheADAcoordinatorforclaimsofdiscriminationonthebasisofadisability(seepolicy1710/4021/7230forcontactinformation);or

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f.forclaimsofotherformsofprohibiteddiscrimination,theapplicablecivilrightscoordinatorasestablishedinpolicy1710/4021/7230.

2.TimePeriodforFilingaComplaint

Acomplaintshouldbefiledassoonaspossiblebutnolaterthan30daysafterdisclosureordiscoveryofthefactsgivingrisetothecomplaint.Complaintssubmittedafterthe30-dayperiodmaybeinvestigated;however,individualsshouldrecognizethatdelaysinreportingmaysignificantlyimpairtheabilityofschoolofficialstoinvestigateandrespondtosuchcomplaints.

3.InformalResolution

TheBoardacknowledgesthatmanycomplaintsmaybeaddressedinformallywithoutafullinvestigationand/orhearing,throughsuchmethodsasconferencesormediation.TheBoardencouragestheuseofinformalproceduressuchasmediationtotheextentpossibleinappropriatecasesandwhenallpartiesvoluntarilyagreeafterreceivingafulldisclosureoftheallegationsandtheoptionforformalresolution;however,mediationorotherinformalprocedureswillnotbeusedtoresolvecomplaintsallegingsexualassaultorsexualviolence,complaintsbyastudentofsexualharassmentperpetratedbyanemployee,orwhenotherwisedeemedinappropriatebytheinvestigatororapplicablecivilrightscoordinator.

Ifaninformalprocessisused,theprincipalorotherdesignatedpersonnelmust(1)notifythecomplainantthatheorshehastheoptiontoendtheinformalprocessandbeginformalproceduresatanytimeand(2)makeacopyofthispolicyandotherrelevantpoliciesavailabletothecomplainant.Anyinformalprocessshouldbecompletedwithinareasonableperiodoftime,nottoexceed30daysunlessspecialcircumstancesnecessitatemoretime.Ifinformalproceduresfailtoresolvethematterinareasonableperiodoftimeorareinappropriate,orifthecomplainantrequestsformalprocedures,thecomplaintswillbeinvestigatedpromptly,impartially,andthoroughlyaccordingtotheproceduresoutlinedintheremainderofthispolicy.

4.OtherResources

IndividualsmayalsocontacttheOfficeforCivilRightsattheU.S.DepartmentofEducation:

4000MarylandAve,SWWashington,DC20202-1475Telephone:202-453-6020TDD:800-877-8339FAX:202-453-6021Email:[email protected]

D.PROCESSFORADDRESSINGCOMPLAINTSOFALLEGEDINCIDENTSOFDISCRIMINATION,HARASSMENT,ORBULLYING

1.InitiatingtheInvestigation

a.Whoeverreceivesacomplaintofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingpursuanttosubsectionC.1shallimmediatelynotifytheappropriateinvestigatorwhoshallrespondtothecomplaintandinvestigate.Theinvestigatorofacomplaintisordinarilydeterminedasfollows;however,thesuperintendentmaydeterminethatindividualcircumstanceswarranttheassignmentofadifferentinvestigator.

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1)Iftheallegedincidentoccurredunderthejurisdictionoftheprincipal,theinvestigatoristheprincipalordesignee,unlesstheallegedperpetratoristheprincipal,theDirectorofHumanResources,theSuperintendent,oramemberoftheBoard.Iftheallegedperpetratorisanyotheremployee,theprincipalordesigneeshallconducttheinvestigationinconsultationwiththeDirectorofHumanResourcesordesignee.

2)Iftheallegedperpetratoristheprincipal,theDirectorofHumanResourcesordesigneeistheinvestigator.

3)Iftheallegedincidentoccurredoutsideofthejurisdictionofaprincipal(forexample,atthecentraloffice),theDirectorofHumanResourcesordesigneeistheinvestigatorunlesstheallegedperpetratoristheDirectorofHumanResources,theSuperintendent,oramemberoftheBoard.

4)IftheallegedperpetratoristheDirectorofHumanResources,theSuperintendentordesigneeistheinvestigator.

5)IftheallegedperpetratoristheSuperintendent,theBoardattorneyistheinvestigator.(Insuchcases,whoeverreceivesacomplaintofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingshallimmediatelynotifytheDirectorofHumanResourceswhoshallimmediatelynotifytheBoardchair.TheBoardchairshalldirecttheBoardattorneytorespondtothecomplaintandinvestigate.)

6)IftheallegedperpetratorisamemberoftheBoard,theBoardattorneyistheinvestigator.(Insuchcases,whoeverreceivesacomplaintofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingshallimmediatelynotifytheSuperintendentwhoshalldirecttheBoardattorneytorespondtothecomplaintandinvestigate.UnlesstheBoardchairistheallegedperpetrator,theSuperintendentshallalsonotifytheBoardchairofthecomplaint.)

b.Asapplicable,theinvestigatorshallimmediatelynotifytheTitleIX,Section504,ADA,orotherrelevantcoordinatorofthecomplaint,and,asappropriate,maydesignatethecoordinatortoconductorassistwiththeinvestigation.

c.Theapplicablecoordinatorandtheinvestigatorshalljointlyassesstheneedforinterimmeasuresofsupportforeitherpartyand,asnecessary,shallimplementappropriatemeasuresinatimelymannerandmonitortheeffectivenessofthemeasuresduringthependencyoftheinvestigation.Interimmeasuresthatrestricttheabilityofeitherpartytodiscusstheinvestigation(“gagorders”)maynotbeused.

d.Theinvestigatorshallexplaintheprocessoftheinvestigationtothecomplainantandinquireastowhetherthecomplainantwouldliketosuggestacourseofcorrectiveaction.

e.Writtendocumentationofallreportsandcomplaints,aswellastheschoolsystem’sresponse,mustbemaintainedinaccordancewithpolicy1710/4021/7230.

f.Failuretoinvestigateand/oraddressclaimsofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullyingshallresultindisciplinaryaction.

2.ConductingtheInvestigation

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Theinvestigatorisresponsiblefordeterminingwhethertheallegedact(s)constitutesaviolationofpolicy1710/4021/7230,policy1730/4022/7231,orpolicy4040/7310.Insodoing,theinvestigatorshallimpartially,promptly,andthoroughlyinvestigatethecomplaint.Incomplaintsallegingsexualmisconductbetweenstudents,eachpartywillreceivenoticeandaccesstoinformationconsistentwithguidancefromtheU.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights.

a.Theinvestigatorshallinterviewallindividualswhomayhaverelevantinformation,including(1)thecomplainant;(2)theallegedperpetrator(s);(3)individualsidentifiedaswitnessesbythecomplainantorallegedperpetrator(s);and(4)anyotherindividuals,includingotherpossiblevictims,whomayhaverelevantinformation.Theinvestigationwillincludeareviewofallevidencepresentedbythecomplainantorallegedperpetrator.

b.Iftheinvestigator,afterreceiptofthecomplaint,aninterviewwiththecomplainant,andconsultationwiththeboardattorney,determinesthattheallegationssubmitted,eveniffactual,donotconstitutediscrimination,harassment,orbullyingasdefinedinpolicy1710/4021/7230orpolicy1730/4022/7231,schoolofficialswilladdressthematteroutsidethescopeofthispolicy.Informationregardingtheinvestigator’sdeterminationandtheprocessforaddressingthecomplaintwillbeprovidedtothecomplainant.

c.Thecomplaintandinvestigationwillbekeptconfidentialtotheextentpossible.Informationmaybesharedonlywithindividualswhoneedtheinformationinordertoinvestigateandaddressthecomplaintappropriatelyandthosewithalegalrighttoaccesstheinformation.Anyrequestsbythecomplainantforfurtherconfidentialitywillbeevaluatedwithinthecontextofthelegalresponsibilitiesoftheschoolsystem.Anycomplaintswithdrawntoprotectconfidentialitymustberecordedinaccordancewithpolicy1710/4021/7230.

d.Theinvestigatorshallreviewthefactualinformationgatheredthroughtheinvestigationtodeterminewhether,basedonapreponderanceoftheevidence,theallegedconductconstitutesdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying,givingconsiderationtoallfactualinformation,thecontextinwhichtheallegedincidentsoccurred,theage,andmaturityofthecomplainantandallegedperpetrator(s),andanyotherrelevantcircumstances.Theinvestigatorshallsubmitawritteninvestigativereporttothesuperintendentand,asapplicable,totheTitleIX,Section504,ADA,orothercoordinator.

3.NoticetoComplainantandAllegedPerpetrator

a.Theinvestigatorshallprovidewrittennotificationtothecomplainantoftheresultsoftheinvestigationwithin15daysofreceivingthecomplaint,unlessadditionaltimeisnecessarytoconductanimpartial,thoroughinvestigation.Theinvestigatorshallspecifywhetherthecomplaintwassubstantiatedand,ifso,shallalsospecify:

1)reasonable,timely,age-appropriate,correctiveactionintendedtoendthediscrimination,harassment,orbullying,andpreventitfromrecurring;

2)asneeded,reasonablestepstoaddresstheeffectsofthediscrimination,harassment,orbullyingonthecomplainant;and

3)asneeded,reasonablestepstoprotectthecomplainantfromretaliationasaresultofcommunicatingthecomplaint.

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b.Ifrequiredbyfederallaw,informationregardingspecificdisciplinaryactionimposedontheallegedperpetrator(s)willbegiventothecomplainant,suchaswhentheinformationrelatesdirectlytothecomplainant(e.g.,anorderrequiringtheperpetratornottohavecontactwiththecomplainant).SchoolofficialsareencouragedtoconsultwiththeSuperintendentandBoardattorneybeforereleasingsuchinformation,however.

c.Iftheinvestigatordeterminesthatthecomplaintwassubstantiated,theperpetrator(s)shallbesubjecttodisciplineorothercorrectivesteps,asdescribedinpolicy1710/4021/7230.Ifthecorrectivestepsinvolveactionsoutsidethescopeoftheinvestigator’sauthority,theSuperintendentwillbenotifiedsothatresponsibilityfortakingthecorrectivestepsmaybedelegatedtotheappropriateindividual.

d.Eachallegedperpetratorwillbeprovidedwithawrittensummaryoftheresultsoftheinvestigationinregardtowhetherthecomplaintwassubstantiated,whethertheallegedperpetratorviolatedrelevantlaworBoardpoliciesbyhisorheractions,andwhat,ifany,disciplinaryactionsorconsequenceswillbeimposedupontheperpetratorinaccordancewithBoardpolicy.TheperpetratormayappealanydisciplinaryactionorconsequenceinaccordancewithBoardpolicyandlaw.However,anappealbytheperpetratorofdisciplinaryactiondoesnotprecludeschoolofficialsfromtakingappropriateactiontoaddressthediscrimination,harassment,orbullying.

4.Appeal

a.Ifthecomplainantisdissatisfiedwiththeresultsoftheinvestigation,heorshemayappealthedecisiontotheSuperintendent(unlesstheallegedperpetratoristheDirectorofHumanResourcesortheSuperintendent,inwhichcasesthecomplainantmayappealdirectlytotheBoardinaccordancewiththeproceduredescribedinsubsectionD.4.bbelow).Theappealmustbesubmittedinwritingwithinfivedaysofreceivingthenoticeoftheresultsoftheinvestigation.TheSuperintendentmayreviewthedocuments,conductanyfurtherinvestigationnecessary,ortakeanyotherstepstheSuperintendentdeterminestobeappropriateinordertorespondtothecomplaint.TheSuperintendentshallprovideawrittenresponsewithin10daysafterreceivingtheappeal,unlessfurtherinvestigationisneeded.

b.IfthecomplainantisdissatisfiedwiththeSuperintendent’sresponse,heorshemayappealthedecisiontotheBoardwithinfivedaysofreceivingtheSuperintendent’sresponse.TheBoardwillreviewthedocuments,directthatfurtherinvestigationbeconductedifnecessary,andtakeanyotherstepsthattheBoarddeterminestobeappropriateinordertorespondtothecomplaint.Uponrequestofthecomplainant,theBoardwillholdahearingpursuanttopolicy2500,HearingsBeforetheBoard.TheBoardwillprovideawrittenresponsewithin30daysafterreceivingtheappeal,unlessfurtherinvestigationisnecessaryorthehearingnecessitatesthatmoretimebetakentorespond.

E.TIMELINESSOFPROCESS

Theschoolsystemwillmakeagoodfaithefforttoconductafair,impartialinvestigationinatimelymannerdesignedtoprovideallpartieswithapromptandequitableresolution.Thenumberofdaysindicatedateachstepoftheprocessshouldbeconsideredamaximum.Everyeffortshouldbemadetoexpeditetheprocess.Theschoolsystemreservestherighttoextendanydeadlinecontainedinthispolicyforgoodcausewithwrittennoticetothepartiesofthedelayandthereasonforthedelay.

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Ifanyschoolofficialchargedwithinvestigatingthecomplaintorreviewingtheinvestigationfailsatanystepintheprocesstocommunicateadecisionwithinthespecifiedtimelimit,thecomplainantwillbeentitledtoappealthecomplainttothenextstepunlesstheofficialhasnotifiedthecomplainantofthedelayandthereasonforthedelay,suchasthecomplexityoftheinvestigation,review,orreport.Theschoolofficialshallmakereasonableeffortstokeepthecomplainantapprisedofprogressbeingmadeduringanyperiodofdelay.Delaysthatinterferewiththeexerciseofanylegalrightsarenotpermitted.

Failurebythecomplainantatanystepintheprocesstoappealacomplainttothenextstepwithinthespecifiedtimelimitwillbeconsideredacceptanceofthedecisionatthatstep,unlessthecomplainanthasnotifiedtheinvestigatorofadelayandthereasonforthedelayandtheinvestigatorhasconsentedinwritingtothedelay.

F.GENERALREQUIREMENTS

1.NoreprisalsorretaliationofanykindwillbetakenbytheBoardorbyanemployeeoftheschoolsystemagainstthecomplainantorotherindividualonaccountofhisorherfilingacomplaintorreportorparticipatinginaninvestigationofacomplaintorreportfiledanddecidedpursuanttothispolicy,unlessthepersonkneworhadreasontobelievethatthecomplaintorreportwasfalseorknowinglyprovidedfalseinformation.

2.Allmeetingsandhearingsconductedpursuanttothispolicywillbeprivate.

3.TheBoardandschoolsystemofficialswillconsiderrequeststohearcomplaintsfromagroup,buttheBoardandofficialshavethediscretiontohearandrespondtocomplainantsindividually.

4.Thecomplainantmayberepresentedbyanadvocate,suchasanattorney,atanymeetingwithschoolsystemofficials.Shouldthecomplainantchoosetoberepresentedbyanattorney,thecomplainantshouldnotifyschoolofficialsinadvancesothatanattorneyfortheschoolsystemmayalsobepresent.

5.Should,inthejudgmentoftheSuperintendentordesignee,theinvestigationorprocessingofacomplaintrequirethatanemployeebeabsentfromregularworkassignments,suchabsencesshallbeexcusedwithoutlossofpayorbenefits.ThisshallnotpreventtheSuperintendentordesigneefromsuspendingtheallegedperpetratorwithoutpayduringthecourseoftheinvestigation.

G.RECORDS

Recordswillbemaintainedasrequiredbypolicy1710/4021/7230.

LegalReferences:AgeDiscriminationinEmploymentActof1967,29U.S.C.621etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.110;AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12101etseq.,28C.F.R.pt.35;FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct,20U.S.C.1232g;RehabilitationActof1973,29U.S.C.705(20),794,34C.F.R.pt.104;TitleVIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,42U.S.C.2000detseq.,34C.F.R.pt.100;TitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964,42U.S.C.2000eetseq.,29C.F.R.pt.1604;TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972,20U.S.C.1681etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.106;BoyScoutsofAmericaEqualAccessAct,20U.S.C.7905,34C.F.R.pt.108;RacialIncidentsandHarassmentAgainstStudentsatEducationalInstitutions;InvestigativeGuidance,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(1994);RevisedSexualHarassmentGuidance:HarassmentofStudentsbySchoolEmployees,OtherStudents,orThirdParties,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2001);NoticeofNon-Discrimination,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2010);DearColleagueLetter(Bullying),U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2010),available

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athttp://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-201010.pdf;DearColleagueLetter(SexualHarassment),U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2006),availableathttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/sexhar-2006.html;Q&AonCampusSexualMisconduct,U.S.DepartmentofEducation,OfficeforCivilRights(2017),availableathttps://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/qa-title-ix-201709.pdf;Gebserv.LagoVistaIndependentSchoolDistrict,524U.S.274(1998);Davisv.MonroeCountyBoardofEducation,526U.S.629(1999);G.S.115C-105.51,-407.15through-407.18

CrossReferences:ProhibitionAgainstDiscrimination,Harassment,andBullying(policy1710/4021/7230),NondiscriminationontheBasisofDisabilities(policy1730/4022/7231),StudentandParentGrievanceProcedure(policy1740/4010),HearingsBeforetheBoard(policy2500),Staff-StudentRelations(policy4040/7310),Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(policy4331)

Adopted:December8,2009

Revised:June7,2011;April15,2014;December9,2014;March8,2016;June28,2016;June5,2018;January8,2019

StudentBehaviorPolicies

(Policy4300)Alldecisionsrelatedtostudentbehaviorareguidedbytheboard’seducationalobjectivetoteachresponsibilityandrespectforculturalandideologicaldifferencesandbytheboard’scommitmenttocreatingsafe,orderlyandinvitingschools.Studentbehaviorpoliciesareprovidedinordertoestablish(1)expectedstandardsofstudentbehavior;(2)principlestobefollowedinmanagingstudentbehavior;(3)consequencesforprohibitedbehaviorordrug/alcoholpolicyviolations;and(4)requiredproceduresforaddressingmisbehavior.

A.PRINCIPLES

Thereasonsformanagingstudentbehaviorareto(1)createanorderlyenvironmentinwhichstudentscanlearn;(2)teachexpectedstandardsofbehavior;(3)helpstudentslearntoaccepttheconsequencesoftheirbehavior;and(4)providestudentswiththeopportunitytodevelopself-control.Thefollowingprinciplesapplyinmanagingstudentbehavior.

1.Studentbehaviormanagementstrategieswillcomplementothereffortstocreateasafe,orderlyandinvitingenvironment.

2.Positivebehavioralinterventionswillbeemployedasappropriatetoimprovestudentbehavior.

3.Responsibility,integrity,civilityandotherstandardsofbehaviorwillbeintegratedintothecurriculum.

4.Disruptivebehaviorintheclassroomwillnotbetolerated.

5.Consequencesforunacceptablebehaviorwillbedesignedtohelpastudentlearntocomplywithrules,toberespectful,toacceptresponsibilityforhisorherbehaviorandtodevelopself-control.

6.Strategiesandconsequenceswillbeageanddevelopmentallyappropriate.

B.COMMUNICATIONOFPOLICIES

Boardpoliciesrelatedtostudentbehaviorarecodifiedmainlyinthe4300series.ThesuperintendentshallincorporateinformationfromsuchpoliciesintoaCodeofStudentConductthatnotifiesstudentsofthebehaviorexpectedofthem,conductthatmaysubjectthemtodisciplineandtherangeofdisciplinary

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measuresthatmaybeusedbyschoolofficials.Atthediscretionofthesuperintendent,theCodeofStudentConductmayincludeadditionalrulesneededtoimplementtheboard’sstudentbehaviorpolicies.Eachschoolshallcreateastudentbehaviormanagementplanthatwillelaboratefurtheronprocessesforaddressingstudentmisbehaviorandtheuseofinterventionstrategiesandconsequences(seepolicy4302,SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior).TheCodeofStudentConductmustincorporatebyreferenceanyadditionalstudentbehaviorstandards,prohibitedconductordisciplinarymeasuresidentifiedinindividualschoolbehaviorplansdevelopedinaccordancewithpolicy4302,providedsuchmeasuresareconsistentwithlawandboardpolicy.TheCodeofStudentConductmustnotimposemandatorylong-termsuspensionorexpulsionforspecificviolationsunlessotherwiseprovidedinstateorfederallaw.

Atthebeginningofeachschoolyear,principalsshallmakeavailabletoeachstudentandparentallofthefollowing:(1)theCodeofStudentConduct;(2)anyboardpoliciesrelatedtobehaviorthatarenotpartoftheCodeofConduct;(3)anyrelatedadministrativeprocedures;(4)anyadditionaldiscipline-relatedinformationfromtheschool’sstudentbehaviormanagementplan,includingbehaviorstandards,prohibitedconductordisciplinarymeasures;and(5)anyotherschoolrules.Thisinformationmustbeavailableatothertimesuponrequestandmustbemadeavailabletostudentsenrollingduringtheschoolyearandtheirparents.

Forthepurposeofboardpoliciesrelatedtostudentbehavior,allreferencesto“parent”includeaparent,alegalguardian,alegalcustodianoranothercaregiveradultauthorizedtoenrollastudentunderpolicy4120,DomicileorResidenceRequirements.

C.APPLICABILITY

StudentsmustcomplywiththeCodeofStudentConductinthefollowingcircumstances:

1.whileinanyschoolbuildingoronanyschoolpremisesbefore,duringorafterschoolhours;

2.whileonanybusorothervehicleaspartofanyschoolactivity;

3.whilewaitingatanyschoolbusstop;

4.duringanyschool-sponsoredactivityorextracurricularactivity;

5.whensubjecttotheauthorityofschoolemployees;and

6.atanyplaceortimewhenthestudent’sbehaviorhasorisreasonablyexpectedtohaveadirectandimmediateimpactontheorderlyandefficientoperationoftheschoolsorthesafetyofindividualsintheschoolenvironment.

D.CONSEQUENCESFORVIOLATIONS

ViolationsoftheCodeofStudentConductmustbedealtwithinaccordancewiththeguidelinesestablishedintheschool’sbehaviormanagementplan(seepolicy4302,SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior).

1.MinorViolations

MinorviolationsoftheCodeofStudentConductarethoselesssevereinfractionsinvolvingalowerdegreeofdangerousnessandharm.Examplesofminorviolationsincludetheuseofinappropriateordisrespectfullanguage,noncompliancewithastaffdirective,dresscodeviolationsandminorphysicalaltercationsthatdonotinvolveaweaponoraninjury.Aggravatingcircumstances,however,mayjustifytreatinganotherwiseminorviolationasaseriousviolation.

MinorviolationsoftheCodeofStudentConductmayresultindisciplinarymeasuresorresponsesuptoandincludingshort-termsuspension.Furtherinformationregardingtheproceduresforshort-termsuspensionsisprovidedinpolicy4351,Short-TermSuspension.Otherdisciplinarymeasures

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orresponsesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:

a.parentalinvolvement,suchasconferences;

b.isolationortime-outforshortperiodsoftime;

c.behaviorimprovementagreements;

d.instructioninconflictresolutionandangermanagement;

e.peermediation;

f.individualorsmallgroupsessionswiththeschoolcounselor;

g.academicintervention;

h.in-schoolsuspension;

i.detentionbeforeand/orafterschooloronSaturday;

j.communityservice;

k.exclusionfromgraduationceremonies;

l.exclusionfromextracurricularactivities;

m.suspensionfrombusprivileges;and

n.placementinanalternativeschool.

Theparentorguardianisresponsiblefortransportationthatmayberequiredtocarryoutaconsequence.Withtheexceptionofsuspensionfrombusprivileges,ifaparentorguardianisunabletoprovidetransportation,anotherconsequencewillbesubstituted.

2.SeriousViolations

SeriousviolationsoftheCodeofStudentConductmayresultinanyoftheconsequencesthatmaybeimposedforminorviolations.Inaddition,seriousviolationsthatthreatentosubstantiallydisrupttheeducationalenvironmentmayresultinlong-termsuspension,andseriousviolationsthatthreatenthesafetyofstudents,schoolemployeesorschoolvisitorsmayresultinlong-termsuspensionorexpulsion.Certainviolationsinvolvingfirearmsorexplosivedevicesmayresultina365-daysuspension.Furtherinformationregardingthestandardsandproceduresforlong-termsuspensions,365-daysuspensionsandexpulsionsisprovidedinpolicies4351,Short-TermSuspension,and4353,Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion.(Seealsopolicy4333,Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreatsandClearThreatstoSafety,forinformationregarding365-daysuspensionsforcertainviolationsinvolvingfirearmsorexplosivedevices.)

E.ENFORCEMENT

ThesuperintendentisresponsibleforsupervisingtheenforcementoftheCodeofStudentConducttoensurethatschooldisciplinarypoliciesareuniformlyandfairlyappliedthroughouttheschoolsystem.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-47,-276(r),-288,-307,-390.1,-390.2

CrossReferences:GoalsandObjectivesoftheEducationalProgram(policy3000),CounselingProgram(policy3610),DomicileorResidenceRequirements(policy4120),StudentBehaviorpolicies(4300series)

Adopted:June26,2007 Revised:August2,2011

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SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior

(Policy4302)

Eachschoolmusthaveaplanformanagingstudentbehaviorthatincorporateseffectivestrategiesconsistentwiththepurposesandprinciplesestablishedinpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.Schoolofficialsareencouragedtoimplementasystemofpositivebehaviorsupportandtoseekotherpositive,innovativeandconstructivemethodsofcorrectingandmanagingstudentbehaviorinanefforttoavoidrepeatedmisbehaviorandsuspension.

A.COMPONENTSOFTHEPLAN

Theplanshouldaddress:(1)theprocessbywhichstudentbehaviorwillbeaddressed,includinganyuseofadisciplinarycommitteeandthemeansbywhichstudentsatriskofrepeateddisruptiveordisorderlyconductareidentified,assessedandassisted;(2)positivebehavioralinterventionsandpossibleconsequencesthatwillbeused;and(3)parentalinvolvementstrategiesthataddresswhenparentsorguardianswillbenotifiedorinvolvedinissuesrelatedtotheirchild’sbehavior(seepolicy4341,ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues).

Noschoolplanformanagingstudentbehaviormayauthorizetheuseofcorporalpunishment.Corporalpunishmentistheintentionalinflictionofphysicalpainuponthebodyofastudentasadisciplinarymeasure.Itincludes,butisnotlimitedto,spanking,paddlingandslapping.Theboardprohibitscorporalpunishment,believingthatotherconsequencesaremoreappropriateandeffectiveforteachingself-control.Noteacher,substituteteacher,studentteacher,busdriver,orotheremployee,contractororvolunteermayusecorporalpunishmenttodisciplineanystudent.Reasonableforcethatisnecessarytoprotectoneselforothersisnotconsideredcorporalpunishment.(Seealsopolicy4301,AuthorityofSchoolPersonnel.)

Principalsshallavoidremovingstudentsfromtheclassroomforalongperiodoftime,includingin-schoolorout-of-schoolsuspension,unlessnecessarytoprovideasafe,orderlyenvironmentthatisconducivetolearning.Theprincipalisauthorizedtoremovestudentsinaccordancewithboardpoliciesforprohibitedorcriminalconductorforotherbehaviorthatinterfereswithasafe,orderlyenvironment.

B.PROCESSFORDEVELOPINGANDEVALUATINGTHEPLAN

Principalsareencouragedtouseateamapproachindevelopingandevaluatingtheschool’splantomanagestudentbehavior.Onatleastanannualbasis,theplanshouldbeevaluatedbasedupondataondisciplinaryactionstakenandtheimpactonstudentacademicperformance.Principalsshallreportonatleastanannualbasistothesuperintendentandtheboardontheeffectivenessoftheplaninminimizingclassroomdisruptions,referralstotheprincipal’sofficeandtheuseofout-of-schoolsuspension.Thereportalsowilladdresstheplan’seffectonacademicperformance.

Thesuperintendentalsoisencouragedtoconsider,developandproposenewandalternativedisciplineprogramstotheboard.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-47,-288,-307,-390.1,-390.2,-390.3,-391.1,-397.1

CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),AuthorityofSchoolPersonnel(policy4301),ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues(policy4341)

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Adopted:June26,2007;Revised:April4,2017

RulesforUseofSeclusionandRestraintinSchools(Reg.4302-R)

Thefollowingruleswillgoverntheuseofseclusionandrestraintbyschoolpersonnel.Asusedinthisregulation,“schoolpersonnel”meansemployeesoftheboardandanypersonsworkingonschoolgroundsorataschoolfunction(1)underacontractorwrittenagreementwiththeschoolsystemtoprovideeducationalorrelatedservicestostudentsor(2)foranotheragencyprovidingeducationalorrelatedservicestostudents.

A.PHYSICALRESTRAINT

Physicalrestraintmeanstheuseofphysicalforcetorestrictthefreemovementofallorapartofastudent’sbody.

Physicalrestraintwillbeconsideredtobeareasonableuseofforcewhenusedinthefollowingcircumstances:

1.asreasonablyneededtoobtainpossessionofweaponsorotherdangerousobjectsonthepersonorwithinthecontrolofastudent;

2.asreasonablyneededtomaintainorderortopreventorbreakupafight;

3.asreasonablyneededforself-defense;

4.asreasonablyneededtoensurethesafetyofanystudent,employee,volunteer,orotherpersonpresent;

5.asreasonablyneededtoteachaskill,tocalmorcomfortastudent,ortopreventself-injuriousbehavior;

6.asreasonablyneededtoescortastudentsafelyfromoneareatoanother;

7.ifusedasprovidedforinanIEP,Section504plan,orbehaviorinterventionplan;or

8.asreasonablyneededtopreventimminentdestructiontoschooloranotherperson’sproperty.

Exceptassetforthabove,physicalrestraintofstudentswillnotbeconsideredareasonableuseofforce,anditsuseisprohibited.Inaddition,physicalrestraintwillnotbeconsideredareasonableuseofforcewhenusedsolelyasadisciplinaryconsequence.

B.MECHANICALRESTRAINT

Mechanicalrestraintmeanstheuseofanydeviceormaterialattachedoradjacenttoastudent’sbodythatrestrictsfreedomofmovementornormalaccesstoanyportionofthestudent’sbodyandthatthestudentcannoteasilyremove.

Mechanicalrestraintofastudentbyschoolpersonnelispermissibleonlyinthefollowingcircumstances:

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1.whenproperlyusedasanassistivetechnologydeviceincludedinthestudent’sIEP,Section504plan,orbehaviorinterventionplan,orasotherwiseprescribedbyamedicalorrelatedserviceprovider;

2.whenusingseatbeltsorothersafetyrestraintstosecureastudentduringtransportation;

3.asreasonablyneededtoobtainpossessionofweaponsorotherdangerousobjectsonthepersonorwithinthecontrolofastudent;


5.asreasonablyneededtoensurethesafetyofanystudent,employee,volunteer,orotherperson.

Exceptassetforthabove,mechanicalrestraint,includingthetying,taping,orstrappingdownofastudent,willnotbeconsideredtobeareasonableuseofforce,anditsuseisprohibited.

C.SECLUSION

Seclusionmeanstheconfinementofastudentaloneinanenclosedspacefromwhichthestudentis(a)physicallypreventedfromleavingbylockinghardwareorothermeansor(b)incapableofleavingduetophysicalorintellectualcapacity.

Seclusionofastudentbyschoolpersonnelmaybeusedinthefollowingcircumstances:

1.asreasonablyneededtorespondtoapersonincontrolofaweaponorotherdangerousobject;

2.asreasonablyneededtomaintainorderorpreventorbreakupafight;


4.asreasonablyneededwhenastudent’sbehaviorposesathreatofimminentphysicalharmtoselforothersorimminentsubstantialdestructionofschooloranotherperson’sproperty;or

5.whenusedasspecifiedinthestudent’sIEP,Section504plan,orbehaviorinterventionplan;and

a.thestudentismonitoredbyanadultincloseproximitywhoisabletoseeandhearthestudentatalltimeswhilethestudentisinseclusion;

b.thestudentisreleasedfromseclusionuponcessationofthebehaviorsthatledtotheseclusion,orasotherwisespecifiedinthestudent’sIEP,Section504plan,orbehaviorinterventionplan;

c.theconfiningspacehasbeenapprovedforsuchusebythelocaleducationagency;

d.thespaceisappropriatelylighted,ventilated,andheatedorcooled;and

e.thespaceisfreefromobjectsthatunreasonablyexposethestudentorotherstoharm.

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Exceptassetforthabove,theuseofseclusionisnotconsideredtobereasonableforce,anditsuseisprohibited.Inaddition,seclusionwillnotbeconsideredareasonableuseofforcewhenusedsolelyasadisciplinaryconsequence.

D.ISOLATION

Isolationmeansabehaviormanagementtechniqueinwhichastudentisplacedaloneinanenclosedspacefromwhichthestudentisnotpreventedfromleaving.

Isolationispermittedasabehaviormanagementtechniqueprovidedthat:

1.theisolationspaceisappropriatelylighted,ventilated,andheatedorcooled;

2.thedurationoftheisolationisreasonableinlightofthepurposefortheisolation;

3.thestudentisreasonablymonitoredwhileinisolation;and

4.theisolationspaceisfreefromobjectsthatunreasonablyexposethestudentorotherstoharm.

E.TIME-OUT

Time-outmeansabehaviormanagementtechniqueinwhichastudentisseparatedfromotherstudentsforalimitedperiodoftimeinamonitoredsetting.Teachersareauthorizedtousetime-outtoregulatebehaviorwithintheirclassrooms.

F.AVERSIVEPROCEDURES

Aversiveproceduremeansasystematicphysicalorsensoryinterventionprogramformodifyingthebehaviorofastudentwithadisabilitythatcausesorreasonablymaybeexpectedtocauseoneormoreofthefollowing:

1.significantphysicalharm,suchastissuedamage,physicalillness,ordeath;

2.seriousandforeseeablelong-termpsychologicalimpairment;

3.obviousrepulsiononthepartofobserverswhocannotreconcilesuchextremeprocedureswithacceptablestandardpractice,forexample:

a.electricshockappliedtothebody;

b.extremelyloudauditorystimuli;

c.forcibleintroductionoffoulsubstancestothemouth,eyes,ears,nose,orskin;

d.placementinatubofcoldwaterorshower;

e.slapping,pinching,hitting,orpullinghair;

f.blindfoldingorotherformsofvisualblocking;

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g.unreasonablewithholdingofmeals;

h.eatingone’sownvomit;or

i.denialofreasonableaccesstotoiletingfacilities.

Theuseofaversiveproceduresisprohibited.

G.NOTICE,REPORTING,ANDDOCUMENTATION

1.Schoolpersonnelshallpromptlynotifytheprincipalordesigneeofanyofthefollowing:

a.anyuseofaversiveprocedures;

b.anyprohibiteduseofmechanicalrestraint;

c.anyuseofphysicalrestraintresultinginobservablephysicalinjurytoastudent;

d.anyprohibiteduseofseclusion;or

e.anyseclusionexceeding10minutesortheamountoftimespecifiedinastudent’sbehaviorinterventionplan.

2.NoticetoParents

WhenaprincipalordesigneehaspersonaloractualknowledgeofanyoftheeventslistedinsubsectionG.1,above,heorsheshallpromptlynotifythestudent’sparentorguardianandshallprovidethenameoftheschoolemployeewhomtheparentorguardianmaycontactregardingtheincident.Suchnoticeshallbeprovidedbytheendoftheworkdayduringwhichtheincidentoccurredwhenreasonablypossible,butnolaterthantheendofthefollowingworkday.SuchnoticealsoshallbeprovidedinadditiontothewrittenincidentreportrequiredinsubsectionG.3,below.

3.WrittenReporttoParents

Withinareasonableperiodoftimenottoexceed30daysafteranyincidentinvolvingtheuseofphysicalrestraint,mechanicalrestraint,seclusion,isolation,oraversiveprocedures,theprincipalordesigneeshallprovidetheparentorguardianwithawrittenincidentreport.Thisreportmustincludethefollowing:

a.thedate,timeofday,location,duration,anddescriptionoftheincidentandinterventions;

b.theeventsoreventsthatleduptotheincident;

c.thenatureandextentofanyinjurytothestudent;and

d.thenameofaschoolemployeetheparentorguardiancancontactregardingtheincident.

4.ReportingtoStateBoard

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TheboardwillmaintainarecordofincidentsreportedundertheproceduredescribedinsubsectionG.3,above,andwillprovidethisinformationannuallytotheStateBoardofEducation.

5.Non-RetaliationforReporting

Anyemployeemakingareportallegingaprohibiteduseofphysicalormechanicalrestraint,seclusion,oraversiveprocedurewillnotbedischarged,threatened,orretaliatedagainstthroughcompensation,terms,conditions,location,orprivilegesofemploymentunlesstheemployeekneworshouldhaveknownthatthereportwasfalse.

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:June6,2017

DisciplinaryActionforExceptionalChildren/StudentsWithDisabilities

(Policy4307)

DisciplinaryactionsforstudentsidentifiedasexceptionalchildrenaccordingtoNorthCarolinaguidelineswillconformtoPoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilitiesasadoptedbytheStateBoardofEducation.IfthePoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilitiesmanualdoesnotfullyaddressaparticularissue,thedirectorofexceptionalchildrenwilldevelopanynecessaryprotocolsconsistentwithstateandfederallaw.

Allstudentswithdisabilitieswillbeaccordedallrightsasprovidedbystateandfederallaw.Seealsopolicy1730/4022/7231,NondiscriminationontheBasisofDisabilities.

LegalReferences:AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12131etseq.,28C.F.R.pt.35;IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,20U.S.C.1400etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.300;RehabilitationActof1973,29U.S.C.705(20),794,34C.F.R.pt.104;G.S.115Cart.9;115C-390.1;PoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilities,StateBoardofEducationPolicyEXCP-000;PoliciesandProceduresforAlternativeLearningProgramsandSchools,GradesK-12,StateBoardofEducationPolicyALTP-002

CrossReferences:NondiscriminationontheBasisofDisabilities(policy1730/4022/7231),SpecialEducationPrograms/RightsofStudentswithDisabilities(policy3520)

Adopted:June26,20007

Revised:November13,2007;November8,2011;May4,2017

IntegrityandCivility

(Policy4310)Allstudentsareexpectedtodemonstrateintegrity,civility,responsibilityandself-control.Thisexpectationisdirectlyrelatedtotheboard’seducationalobjectivesforstudentstolearntoberesponsibleforandaccepttheconsequencesoftheirbehaviorandforstudentstorespectculturaldiversityandideologicaldifferences.Integrity,civility,responsibilityandself-controlalsoarecriticalforestablishingandmaintainingasafe,orderlyandinvitingenvironment.

A.ProhibitedBehavior

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Inadditiontoanystandardsorrulesestablishedbytheschools,thefollowingbehaviorsareinviolationofthestandardsofintegrityandcivilityandarespecificallyprohibited:

1.cheating,includingtheactualgivingorreceivingofanyunauthorizedassistanceortheactualgivingorreceivingofanunfairadvantageonanyformofacademicwork;

2.plagiarizing,includingcopyingthelanguage,structure,ideaand/orthoughtofanotherandrepresentingitasone’sownoriginalwork;

3.violatingcopyrightlaws,includingtheunauthorizedreproduction,duplicationand/oruseofprintedorelectronicwork,computersoftware,orothercopyrightedmaterial;

4.cursingorusingvulgar,abusiveordemeaninglanguagetowardanotherperson;and

5.playingabusiveordangeroustricksorotherwisesubjectingastudentoranemployeetopersonalindignity.

B.Consequences

ThedisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicyshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthispolicy.

LegalReferences:17U.S.C.101,102,106,108,110,117;G.S.115C-47,-288,-307,-390.2

CrossReferences:GoalsandObjectivesoftheEducationalProgram(policy3000),CopyrightCompliance(policy3230/7330),StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:November8,2011

DisruptiveBehavior(Policy4315)

Anorderlyenvironmentiscriticalforteacherstobeabletoteachandstudentstobeabletolearn.Studentsareencouragedtoparticipateinschooleffortstocreateasafe,orderlyandinvitingenvironment.Studentsalsoareencouragedtoexercisetheirconstitutionalrightstofreespeechasapartofastimulating,invitingeducationalenvironment.Astudent’srighttofreespeechwillnotbeinfringedupon;howeverschoolofficialsmayplacereasonable,constitutionalrestrictionsontime,placeandmannerinordertopreserveasafe,orderlyenvironment.

Principalsandteachershavefullauthorityasprovidedbylawtoestablishandenforcestandardsandrulesasarenecessarytocreateorderlyschoolsandclassrooms.

PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR

Studentsareprohibitedfromdisruptingteaching,theorderlyconductofschoolactivities,oranyotherlawfulfunctionoftheschoolorschooldistrict.Conductillustrativeofdisruptivebehaviorandthereforeprohibitedincludesbutisnotlimitedto:

•intentionalverbalorphysicalactswhichresultorhavethepotentialtoresultinblockingaccesstoschoolfunctionsorfacilities,preventingtheconveningorcontinuationofschool-relatedfunctionsorotherwisecausingthedisruptionofanylawfulfunction,activity,missionorprocessoftheschool;

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•appearanceorclothingwhich(1)violatesareasonabledresscodeadoptedandpublicizedbytheschool,(2)issubstantiallydisruptive,(3)isprovocativeorobsceneor(4)endangersthehealthorsafetyofthestudentorothers;

•possessingordistributingliteratureorillustrationswhichsignificantlydisrupttheeducationalprocessorwhichareobsceneorunlawful;

•engaginginbehaviorwhichisimmoral,indecent,lewd,disreputableorofanoverlysexualnatureintheschoolsetting;

•failingtoobserveestablishedsafetyrules,standardsandregulationsonschoolpropertyorwhileinvolvedwithschoolevents;

•interferingwiththeoperationofschoolbuses,includingdelayingthebusschedule,gettingoffatanunauthorizedstop,andwillfullytrespassinguponaschoolbus.Prohibitedconductonschoolbusesisfurtherdescribedinboardpolicy4317,MisconductonaSchoolVehicle;and

•gambling,includingparticipatinginanyunauthorizedevent,actionorstatementwhichreliesonchanceforthemonetaryadvantageofoneparticipantattheexpenseofothers.

CONSEQUENCES

Consequencesforengaginginprohibitedbehaviorwillbeprovidedinaccordancewiththeschool’sstudentbehaviormanagementplan(seeboardpolicy4302,SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior).Forrepeatedorseriousviolationsofthispolicy,theprincipalmaysuspendastudentfromschoolforuptotendays.

LegalReferences:U.S.Const.amend.I;N.C.Const.art.I,§14;G.S.14-132,-132.2,-288.2,-288.4;G.S.115C-47,-288,-307,-390,-391

CrossReferences:SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),MisconductonaSchoolVehicle(policy4317). Adopted:June26,2007

DisruptiveBehavior

(Reg.4315-R)

I.DISRUPTIVESTUDENTSINTHECLASSROOM

A.PROCEDURES

1.Teacherswillconferwithdisruptivestudents.

2.Teacherswillconferwithparents,eitherbywrittenreports,telephone,orconferencewhendeemedappropriate.

3.Teacherswillconferwiththeschoolcounselorforassistanceandtoconsiderreferralofthechildforcounseling.

4.Teacherswillutilizealternativedisciplinetechniquessuchasdenyingprivileges,additionaloralorwrittenwork,detentionafterschool,orothermeasuresasdeemedappropriate.

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5.Teacherandcounselorwillconsiderthefeasibilityofreferraltoothercountyserviceagenciesforassistance.

6.TeacherswillreferstudentstothePrincipalwhentheyhavebeenunsuccessfulincorrectingthedisruptivebehaviororwhenthebehaviorisofsuchnatureastorequireimmediatereferral.

II.EXAMPLESOFPUNISHABLEOFFENSES

A.BUSOFFENSES-Thefollowingactsareillustrativeofbehaviorsthatinterferewiththeorderlyoperationofschoolbusesandarethereforeprohibited:

1.Delayingthebusschedule

2.Fighting

3.Usingtobaccoproducts

4.Usingprofanity

5.Refusingtoobeyinstructions

6.Tamperingwithorcausingdamagetothebus

7.Refusingtomeetthebusatdesignatedstops

8.Unauthorizedleavingofthebus

9.Distractingthedriver’sattentionwhilethebusisinoperation

10.Failingtoobserveestablishedsafetyrulesandregulations

11.Committingoffensiveactionstowardothersbothinsideandoutsidethebus

12.Violatinganyotherexpectedstandardofbehaviorwhileonthebus

B.MAJOROFFENSESwillresultinsuspensionfromschool,ISS,afterschooldetention,orotherdisciplinaryresponsesasauthorizedbyArticle27oftheNorthCarolinaGeneralStatutes.

ExamplesofMajorOffenses:

1.Possessionorundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs

2.Aggravatedfightingoragitation

3.Willfuldamagetoschoolproperty

4.Willfuldamagetoprivateproperty

5.Assaultonaschoolemployee

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6.Stealing

7.Grossinsubordinationtoanyprofessionalstaffmember

8.Possessionorcarrying,openlyorconcealed,weaponsanddangerousinstrumentsasprescribedbyG.S.14-269.2

9.Repeatedviolationofschoolrules

10.Skippingschool

11.Extortion

12.Communicatingthreats

C.SERIOUSOFFENSESwillresultinsuspensionfromschool,ISS,afterschooldetention,orotherdisciplinaryresponsesasauthorizedbyArticle27oftheNorthCarolinaGeneralStatutes.

ExamplesofSuchOffenses:

1.Obscenityandvulgarity

2.Skippingclass

3.Fighting,horseplay,runninginhalls,ordisruptivebehavior

4.Throwingorshootingobjects

5.Disrespectfortherightsofothers

6.Disrespecttoanyschoolpersonnel

7.Impropersocialconduct

8.Possessionofweaponsorfacsimileofaweapon(including,butnotlimitedto,aknife,razor,bludgeon,BBgun,pepperspray,oranysharp-edgedorpointedinstrument)

Approved:June28,2010

Revised:April4,2017

StudentDressCode

(Policy4316)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)believesthatthedressandpersonalappearanceofstudentsgreatlyaffecttheiracademicperformanceandtheirinteractionwithotherstudents.Theboardrequeststhatparentsoutfittheirchildreninclothingthatisconducivetolearning.Generally,dressandgroomingstandardsasdeterminedbythestudentandhisorherparentswillbedeemedacceptable.However,theboardprohibitsanyappearanceorclothingthatdoesthefollowing:

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1.violatesareasonabledresscodeadoptedandpublicizedbytheschool;

2.issubstantiallydisruptive(forinformationongang-relatedattire,seepolicy4328,Gang-RelatedActivity);

3.isprovocativeorobscene;or

4.endangersthehealthorsafetyofthestudentorothers.

Beforereceivingdisciplinaryconsequences,astudentwhoisnotincompliancewiththispolicyoraschooldresscodewillbegivenareasonableperiodoftimetomakeadjustmentssothatheorshewillbeincompliance.DisciplinaryconsequencesforastudentwhofailstocomplyafterbeingofferedthisopportunityshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationofthedresscode.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-47,-390.2

CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),DisruptiveBehavior(policy4315),Gang-RelatedActivity(policy4328)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:June5,2018

StudentDressCode(Reg.4316-R)

RutherfordCountySchoolsprovidesaqualityinstructionalprogramandlearningopportunityforeverystudent.Thepersonalappearanceofeverystudentisanimportantcomponentofestablishingasafeenvironmentforoptimallearningandrespectforoneanother.Studentsareexpectedtodressinanappropriatemannerwhileonschooldistrictpropertyorrepresentingtheschool.Thisistheresponsibilityofthestudentandhis/herparentorguardian.Personalappearanceshallbesuchthatitdoesnotdisruptstudentworkorschoolorder,becomedistractivetootherstudents,orviolatehealthandsafetyguidelines.Studentviolationsofthispolicyshallbehandled,bytheprincipalorprincipal'sdesignee,inaccordancewiththeRutherfordCountySchoolsStudentBehaviorPolicies(Policy4300)SectionsCandD.Thefollowingstandardsapply.Principalsmaymakeadditionstothesestandards:

ElementarySchool

• Streetshoesorsandalswillbeworn.Lace-upshoesmustbetied.Bedroomshoesarenotpermitted.• Allshirtsand/orblousesmustmeetthetopofthelowergarment.Nobaremidriffshirtsorblouses

willbepermitted.• Noplungingnecklines,backlesstops,tanktops,spaghettistraptops,halter-tops,orvestswithout

shirtswillbepermitted.• Noclothingorjewelrywillbepermittedthatdisplaysorpromotesprofanity,alcohol,tobacco,drugs,

racism,hate,anythingperceivedasgangrelated,oranythingofasexualnature.• Shorts,skirts,anddressesmaynotbeshorterthanmid-thigh.• Spandexshortsorpantsarenotpermitted.• Clothingisnottobesheer,mesh,haveexcessiveholes,orexposeunderclothing.

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• Saggingtrousersandbaggyclothingarenotpermitted.• Clothingmaynotdragonthefloor.• Extraneousarticleshangingfromclothing,suchaschainsorotherarticleswillnotbepermitted.• Thereshallbenojewelryaffixedtoastudent'snose,tongue,lip,chin,cheekoreyebrow.• Hats,sunglasses,haircurlers,skullies,picks,do-ragsorheadsweatbandsmaynotbeworninsidethe

school.• Abnormalhaircolorwillnotbeallowed(i.e.blue,green,orange,etc.).

MiddleSchool

• Streetshoesorsandalswillbeworn.Bedroomshoesarenotpermitted.• Allshirtsand/orblousesmustmeetthetopofthelowergarment.Nobaremidriffshirtsorblouses



racism,hate,anythingperceivedasgangrelated,oranythingofasexualnature.• Shorts,skirts,anddressesmaynotbeshorterthanmid-thigh.• Spandexshortsorpantsarenotpermitted.• Clothingisnottobesheerormesh,haveexcessiveholes,orexposeunderclothing.• Saggingtrousersandbaggyclothingarenotpermitted.• Clothingmaynotdragonthefloor.• Extraneousarticleshangingfromclothing,suchaschainsorotherarticles,willnotbepermitted.• Hats,sunglasses,haircurlers,skullies,picks,do-rags,orheadsweatbandsmaynotbeworninsidethe

school.

HighSchool

• Streetshoesorsandalswillbeworn.Bedroomshoesarenotpermitted.• Allshirtsand/orblousesmustmeetthetopofthelowergarment.Nobare-midriffshirtsorblouses



racism,hate,anythingperceivedasgangrelated,oranythingofasexualnature.• Shorts,skirts,anddressesmaynotbeshorterthanmid-thigh.• Spandexshortsorpantsarenotpermitted.• Clothingisnottobesheer,mesh,haveexcessiveholes,orexposeunderclothing.• Saggingtrousersandbaggyclothingarenotpermitted.• Clothingmaynotdragonthefloor.• Extraneousarticleshangingfromclothing,suchaschainsorotherarticleswillnotbepermitted.

Exceptionstothesestandardsforspecificeventsoractivitiesmaybemadeonlyatthediscretionoftheprincipal.Requestsforculturalormedicalexceptionswillbeconsideredonanindividualbasis.Requestsforexceptionsforsincerelyheldreligiousbeliefswillbehonored.

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FacultyandstaffmembersareexpectedtofollowdresscodepoliciesforallK-12schoolstosettheproperexampleforourstudents.

Approved:June28,2010

Revised:August8,2013;August17,2017

MisconductOnaSchoolVehicle

(Policy4317)Schooltransportationserviceisaprivilege,notaright.Studentsatalltimes,whileridingaschoolbusorotherschoolvehicle,shallobservethedirectivesofthebusorvehicledriver.Thefollowingconductisspecificallyprohibited:

·stopping,impeding,delayingordetainingabusorschoolvehicle;

·disturbingthepeace,orderordisciplineonabusorschoolvehicle;

·refusingtoobeythedriver’sinstructions;

·tamperingwithorwillfullydamagingthebusorschoolvehicle;

·gettingoffabusatanunauthorizedstop;

·refusingtomeetthebusatdesignatedstops;

·distractingthedriver’sattentionbyparticipatingindisruptivebehaviorwhilethevehicleisinoperation;

·failingtoobserveestablishedsafetyrulesandregulations;

·openingtheemergencydoorwithoutauthorization;

·willfullytrespassinguponaschoolbusorschoolvehicle;and

·fighting,smoking,usingprofanity,possessingorusingdrugsorintoxicatingbeverages,orotherwiseviolatinganyotherboardpolicyorschoolrulewhileonaschoolbusorotherschoolvehicle.

CONSEQUENCES

Consequencesforengaginginprohibitedbehaviormayresultintemporaryorpermanentsuspensionfromschooltransportationservicesand/orschool,inadditiontootherconsequencesforviolatingotherstudentbehaviorpolicies.Otherconsequencesmaybeprovidedinaccordancewiththeschool’sstudentbehaviormanagementplan(seeboardpolicy4302,SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior).Inaddition,itisacriminaloffensetounlawfullyandwillfullystop,impede,delayordetainaschooloractivitybusortodisturbthepeace,orderordisciplineonaschooloractivitybus.Studentswhoengageinsuchactivitiesmaybesubjecttocriminalcharges.

LegalReferences:G.S.14-132,-132.2,-288.4;G.S.115C-47,-390,-391

CrossReferences:SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),DisruptiveBehavior(policy4315);SafetyandStudentTransportationServices(policy6305)

Adopted:June26,2007

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CellularPhoneUseinSchools(Policy4318)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)recognizesthatcellulartelephoneshavebecomeamethodbywhichpeoplecommunicatewiththeirchildren.Duetosafetyconcerns,theBoardunderstandstheneedforparentstostayincontactwiththeirchildren.

Therefore,itisthepolicyoftheBoardtoallowcellulartelephonesandotherwirelesscommunicationdevicesintheschoolsaslongastheyarenotturnedon,handled,orvisibleduringtheinstructionalday,orasotherwisedirectedbylocalschoolrulesorschoolpersonnel.Theschoolprincipalmayauthorizeuseofacellulartelephonewhenthereisareasonableneedforsuchuse.Violationsofthispolicymayleadtodisciplinaryactionagainstthestudentfordisruptivebehavior.

Ifacellulartelephoneorotherwirelesscommunicationdeviceison,handled,ordisplayedduringtheinstructionaldayorinviolationoflocalschooldirectives,schoolpersonnelaretoconfiscateit.Thestudent’sparentorguardianmustcometotheschoolandsignforitsrelease.Ifastudenthasacellulartelephoneorotherwirelesscommunicationdeviceconfiscatedbyschoolpersonnelforthesecondtimeduringtheschoolyear,itwillnotbereturnedtothestudentuntiltheendoftheschoolyear.NeitherschoolpersonnelnortheBoardwillberesponsiblefordamagetoorlossofconfiscatedcellulartelephonesorotherwirelesscommunicationdevices.

Useofcellulartelephonesandotherelectronicdevicesthatemitnoisemaybeprohibitedfromschoolbuseswhensafetybecomesanissue.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-36,-288,-390,-391

CrossReferences:SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),DisruptiveBehavior(policy4315)

Adopted:June26,2007;June29,2017

TobaccoProducts–Students(Policy4320)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)iscommittedtocreatingsafe,orderly,clean,andinvitingschoolsforallstudentsandstaff.Tothisend,theBoardsupportsstatelawsthatprohibitthesaleordistributionoftobaccoproductstominorsandthatprohibittheuseoftobaccoproductsbyminors.TheBoardalsosupportsstateandfederallawsthatprohibittheuseoftobaccoproductsinschoolbuildings,onschoolcampuses,andinoronanyotherschoolpropertyownedoroperatedbytheschoolboard.Forthepurposesofthispolicy,theterm“tobaccoproduct”meansanyproductthatcontainsorthatismadeorderivedfromtobaccoandisintendedforhumanconsumption,includingalllightedandsmokelesstobaccoproducts,aswellaselectroniccigarettes,vaporizers,andotherelectronicsmokingdeviceseveniftheydonotcontaintobaccoornicotine.


InsupportoftheBoard'scommitmentsandstateandfederallaw,studentsareprohibitedfromusingorpossessinganytobaccoproduct(1)inanyschoolbuilding,onanyschoolcampus,andinoronanyotherschoolpropertyownedoroperatedbytheschoolboard,includingschoolvehicles;(2)atanyschool-relatedactivity,includingathleticevents;or(3)atanytimewhenthestudentissubjecttothesupervisionofschoolpersonnel,includingduringschooltrips.

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Nothinginthispolicyprohibitstheuseorpossessionoftobaccoproductsforaninstructionalorresearchactivityconductedinaschoolbuilding,providedthattheactivityisconductedorsupervisedbyafacultymemberandthattheactivitydoesnotincludesmoking,chewing,orotherwiseingestingtobacco.

B.CONSEQUENCES


Indeterminingappropriateconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicy,schoolofficialsareencouragedtoidentifyprogramsoropportunitiesthatwillprovidestudentswithagreaterunderstandingofthehealthhazardsoftobaccouse,thehazardsofsecondhandsmoke,andtheimpactoftobaccouseoneffortstoprovideasafe,orderly,clean,andinvitingschoolenvironment.

C.SERVICESFORSTUDENTS

Theadministrationshallconsultwiththecountyhealthdepartmentandotherappropriateorganizationstoprovidestudentswithinformationandaccesstosupportsystemsandprogramstoencouragestudentstoabstainfromtheuseoftobaccoproducts.Theschoolsystemmay,fromtimetotime,providefreenon-smokingprogramsandservicestoitsstudents.

D.NOTICE

StudentswillbeprovidedwithnoticeoftheinformationinthispolicythroughtheCodeofStudentConduct,studenthandbooksorothermeansidentifiedbytheprincipal.Inaddition,theprincipalshallpostsignsinamannerandatlocationsthatadequatelynotifystudents,schoolpersonnel,andvisitorsaboutprohibitionsagainsttheuseoftobaccoproductsinallschoolfacilities,onallschoolgrounds,andatallschool-sponsoredevents.

LegalReferences:Pro-ChildrenActof1994,20U.S.C.6081etseq.;21U.S.C.321(rr);21C.F.R.1100etseq.;G.S.14-313;115C-47,-288,-307,-390.2,-407

CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),SmokingandTobaccoProducts(policy5026/7250)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:February2,2016;October17,2017

TobaccoProducts–Students

(Reg.4320-R)A.TheSurgeonGeneraloftheUnitedStateshasdeterminedthatsmokingisharmfultoone’shealth.Thereisalsoconsiderableevidencethatalltobaccoproductsareharmful.HealthfullivingisoneofthemajorgoalsandobjectivesoftheRutherfordCountySchools;therefore,theRutherfordCountyBoardofEducationprohibitstheuseoftobaccoproductsonschoolproperty.

B.NostudentintheRutherfordCountySchoolsshallhaveintheirpossessionoruseanytobaccoproducton

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schoolpropertyatanytime.Theuseoftobaccoonschoolpropertyatanytimeisprohibited.

Violation:

HighSchoolStudents--ForPossessionorUse:Thisappliesonschoolpropertyatanytime.

1.FirstOffense–Two(2)daysout-of-schoolsuspension

2.SecondOffense–Four(4)daysout-of-schoolsuspension

3.ThirdOffense–Eight(8)daysout-of-schoolsuspension

4.FourthOffense–Constitutesflagrantviolationandshallresultinlong-termsuspension

Violationofthepolicywillrequireacessationcounselingprogram.

Approved:May28,2013

DrugsandAlcohol(Policy4325)

Unauthorizedorillegaldrugsandalcoholareathreattosafeandorderlyschoolsandwillnotbetolerated.Thesuperintendentisresponsibleforensuringthatthispolicyisconsistentlyappliedthroughouttheschoolsystem.


Studentsareprohibitedfrompossessing,using,transmitting,sellingorbeingundertheinfluenceofanyofthefollowingsubstances:

1.narcoticdrugs;

2.hallucinogenicdrugs;

3.amphetamines;

4.barbiturates;

5.marijuanaoranyothercontrolledsubstance;

6.syntheticstimulants,suchasMDPVandmephedrone(e.g.,“bathsalts”),andsyntheticcannabinoids(e.g.,“Spice,”“K2”);

7.anyalcoholicbeverage,maltbeverage,fortifiedorunfortifiedwineorotherintoxicatingliquor;or

8.anychemicals,substancesorproductsprocuredorusedwiththeintentionofbringingaboutastateofexhilarationoreuphoriaorofotherwisealteringthestudent’smoodorbehavior.

Studentsalsoareprohibitedfrompossessing,using,transmittingorsellingdrugparaphernaliaorcounterfeit(fake)drugs.Studentsmaynotparticipateinanywayinthesellingortransmittingofprohibitedsubstances,regardlessofwhetherthesaleortransmissionultimatelyoccursonschoolproperty.

Possessionoruseofprescriptionandover-the-counterdrugsisnotinviolationofthispolicyifsuchdrugsarepossessedandusedinaccordancewithpolicy6125,AdministeringMedicinestoStudents.Theprincipalmayauthorizeotherlawfulusesofsubstancesthatareotherwiseprohibitedbythispolicy,suchasforapprovedschoolprojects.

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B.CONSEQUENCES

Asrequiredbypolicy4335,CriminalBehavior,theprincipalmustreporttotheappropriatelawenforcementagencyanystudentwhohasusedorpossessedprohibitedsubstancesinviolationofthispolicy.


LegalReferences:G.S.18B-301;20-11(n1);ch.90,art.5;115C-47,276,-288,-307,-390.2,

CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),CriminalBehavior(policy4335),AdministeringMedicinestoStudents(policy6125)

Adopted:July2003 Revised:August2,2005;June26,2007;August2,2011

DrugsandAlcohol(Reg.4325-R)

Studentsshallnotuseorengageinthetransmissionofanydrugparaphernaliaorcounterfeitdrugs.

A.ConsequencesforthePossessionorUseofAlcohol,Drugs,CounterfeitDrugs,orDrugParaphernaliaonSchoolPropertyorSchoolSponsoredEvents

1.Alcohol

a.FirstOffense--Parentalcontact,outofschoolsuspensionof10daysorlong-termsuspension,StudentServicesManagementTeamintervention,lawenforcementreferral,opportunitytoparticipateinCessationclassesprovidedbyareaHealthagencies,andpossibletemporarydenialofprivileges.

b.SecondOffense--Long-termsuspension

2.Inhalants,OtherMoodAlteringDrugs(OvertheCounter),orDrugParaphernalia

a.FirstOffense--Parentalcontact,out-of-schoolsuspensionof10daysorlong-termsuspension,StudentServicesManagementTeamintervention,lawenforcementreferral,opportunitytoparticipateinCessationclassesprovidedbyareaHealthagencies,andpossibletemporarydenialofprivileges.


3.ControlledSubstancesorDrugParaphernalia

a.FirstOffense--Parentalcontact,out-of-schoolsuspensionof10daysorlong-termsuspension,StudentServicesManagementTeamintervention,lawenforcementreferral,opportunitytoparticipateinCessationclassesprovidedbyareaHealthagencies,andpossibletemporarydenialofprivileges.


B.ConsequencesforDelivery,Transfer,orSaleofAlcohol,Drugs,CounterfeitDrugs,orDrugParaphernaliaonSchoolPropertyorSponsoredEvents

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1.Alcohol

FirstOffense–Long-termforremainderofschoolyearandlawenforcementreferral.

2.Inhalants,OtherMoodAlteringDrugs(OvertheCounter),orDrugParaphernalia


3.ControlledSubstancesorControlledSubstanceDrugParaphernalia


Approved:May28,2013 Gang-RelatedActivity

(PolicyCode4328)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)strivestocreateasafe,orderly,caring,andinvitingschoolenvironment.Gangsandgang-relatedactivitieshaveprovencontrarytothatmissionandareprohibitedwithintheschools.Agangisanyongoingorganization,association,orgroupofthreeormorepersons,whetherformalorinformal,havingasoneofitsprimaryactivitiesthecommissionofcriminalactsandhavingacommonnameorcommonidentifyingsign,colors,orsymbols.Theviolenceandcrimethataccompanygangsposeaseriousthreattothesafetyofstudentsandemployeesoftheschoolsystem.Evenabsentactsofviolenceorcrime,theexistenceofgang-relatedactivitywithintheschoolscreatesanatmosphereoffearandhostilitythatobstructsstudentlearningandachievement.Thus,theboardcondemnstheexistenceofgangsandwillnottolerategang-relatedactivityintheschoolsystem.


Gang-relatedactivityisstrictlyprohibitedwithintheschools.Forthepurposesofthispolicy,“gang-relatedactivity”means:(1)anyconductthatisprohibitedbyanotherboardpolicyandisengagedinbyastudentonbehalfofanidentifiedgangorasaresultofthestudent’sgangmembership;or(2)anyconductengagedinbyastudenttoperpetuate,proliferate,ordisplaytheexistenceofanyidentifiedgang.

Conductprohibitedbythispolicyincludes:

1.wearing,possessing,using,distributing,displaying,orsellinganyclothing,jewelry,emblems,badges,symbols,signs,orotheritemswiththeintenttoconveymembershiporaffiliationinagang;

2.communicatingeitherverballyornon-verbally(gestures,handshakes,slogans,drawings,etc.)withtheintenttoconveymembershiporaffiliationinagang;

3.tagging,orotherwisedefacingschoolorpersonalpropertywithsymbolsorslogansintendedtoconveymembershiporaffiliationinagang(seepolicy4330,Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty);

4.requiringpaymentofprotectionorinsuranceorotherwiseintimidatingorthreateninganypersonrelatedtogangactivity(seepolicy4331,Assaults,Threats,andHarassment);

5.incitingotherstointimidateortoactwithphysicalviolenceuponanyotherpersonrelatedtogangactivity(seepolicy4331);

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6.solicitingothersforgangmembership;and

7.committinganyotherillegalactorotherviolationofschoolsystempoliciesinconnectionwithgang-relatedactivity.

B.NOTICE

Thesuperintendentordesigneeshallregularlyconsultwithlawenforcementofficialstomaintaincurrentexamplesofgang-relatedactivities,includingbutnotlimitedtogangnamesandparticularizedexamplesofpotentialgangindicatorsincludingsymbols,handsignals,graffiti,clothing,accessories,andbehaviors.Eachprincipalshallmaintainalistofcurrentexamplesofgang-relatedactivitiestoassiststudents,parents,andteachersinidentifyinggangsymbolsandpractices.Thelistshallbeavailableinaneasilyaccessiblelocationinthemainofficeoftheschool.Parents,students,andschoolemployeesmay,uponrequest,accessthelist,whichshallincludeawarningthatwearingordisplayingclothing,handsigns,orsymbolsidentifiedinthelistwiththeintenttoconveymembershiporaffiliationinanygangmaysubjectastudenttodisciplineunderthispolicy.

Inaddition,theCodeofStudentConductandallstudenthandbooks(orsuchothersimilarmaterialsdistributedtoparentsandstudentsinlieuofastudenthandbook)shallcontainnoticethat(1)currentinformationongang-relatedactivitiesismaintainedinthemainofficeateachschool;(2)informationongang-relatedactivitiesissubjecttochangeandtheprincipalshouldbeconsultedforupdates;and(3)wearingordisplayingclothing,handsigns,orsymbolsidentifiedinthelistwiththeintenttoconveymembershiporaffiliationinanygangmaysubjectastudenttodisciplineunderthispolicy.TheCodeofStudentConductandstudenthandbook(orsuchothersimilarmaterials)alsoshallprovidetheaddressesofwebsitesthatcontainadditionalinformationidentifyinggangsigns,symbols,clothing,andothergangindicators.

Inprovidingthisinformationforstudentsandparents,theboardacknowledgesthatnotallpotentialgangindicatorsconnoteactualmembershipinagang.

C.CONSEQUENCES

BeforereceivingdisciplinaryconsequencesforaviolationofsubsectionA.1orA.2,above,astudentshallreceiveanindividualizedwarningastowhatitemorconductisinviolationofthispolicyandshallbepermittedtoimmediatelychangeorremoveanyprohibiteditems.Astudentmaybedisciplinedonlyifheorshepreviouslyreceivednoticethatthespecificitemorconductisprohibited.

DisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofsubsectionsA.1,A.2andA.6,above,shallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthesesubsections.

ViolationsofsubsectionsA.3,A.4,A.5andA.7,above,areviolationsofboththispolicyandotherboardpolicies.DisciplinaryconsequencesforsuchviolationsshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300andthespecificrangeofconsequenceslistedintheCodeofStudentConductfortheotherboardpolicyviolated.Thattheviolationwasgang-relatedshallbeanaggravatingfactorwhendeterminingtheappropriateconsequences.

Inasituationwhereastudenthasviolatedthispolicyorisotherwisesuspectedofgangaffiliationthroughothercircumstantialevidence,theprincipalshallconductaninterventioninvolvingtheprincipaland/orassistantprincipal,thestudentandthestudent’sparent.Suchinterventionalsomayincludetheschoolresourceofficerandothersasappropriate.Thepurposeofaninterventionisto

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discussschoolofficials’observationsandconcernsandtoofferthestudentandhisorherparentsinformationandanopportunitytoaskquestionsorprovideotherinformationtotheschoolofficials.

Thispolicyshallbeappliedinanon-discriminatorymannerbasedontheobjectivecharacteristicsofthestudent’sconductinlightofthesurroundingcircumstances.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-390.2

CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),StudentDressCode(policy4316),Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty(policy4330),Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(policy4331),CriminalBehavior(policy4335)

Adopted:August2,2011

Revised:June5,2018

Theft,Trespass,andDamageToProperty(Policy4330)

Theboardwillnottoleratetheft,trespassordamagetopropertybyanystudent.Anystudentengaginginsuchbehaviorwillberemovedfromtheclassroomorschoolenvironmentforaslongasisnecessarytoprovideasafeandorderlyenvironmentforlearning.


1.Theft

Studentsareprohibitedfromstealingorattemptingtostealschoolorprivatepropertyand/orfromknowinglybeinginpossessionofstolenproperty.

2.DamagetoProperty

Studentsareprohibitedfromdamagingorattemptingtodamageschoolorprivateproperty.

3.Trespass

Studentsareprohibitedfromtrespassingonschoolproperty.Astudentwillbeconsideredatrespasserandmaybecriminallyprosecutedinanyofthefollowingcircumstances:

a.thestudentisonthecampusofaschooltowhichheorsheisnotassignedduringtheschooldaywithouttheknowledgeandconsentoftheofficialsofthatschool;

b.thestudentisloiteringatanyschoolafterthecloseoftheschooldaywithoutanyspecificneedorsupervision;or

c.thestudenthasbeensuspendedfromschoolbutisonthepropertyofanyschoolduringthesuspensionperiodwithouttheexpresspermissionoftheprincipal.

B.CONSEQUENCES


LegalReferences:G.S.14-60,-87,-87.1,-132,-132.2;115C-47,-276(r),-288,-307,-390.2

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CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),IntegrityandCivility(policy4310),CriminalBehavior(policy4335)

Adopted:June26,2007 Revised:August2,2011

Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(Policy4331)

Theboardwillnottolerateassaults,threatsorharassmentfromanystudent.Anystudentengaginginsuchbehaviorwillberemovedfromtheclassroomorschoolenvironmentforaslongasisnecessarytoprovideasafeandorderlyenvironmentforlearning.


1.Assault

Studentsareprohibitedfromassaulting,physicallyinjuring,attemptingtoinjureorintentionallybehavinginsuchawayascouldreasonablycauseinjurytoanyotherperson.Assaultincludesengaginginafight.

2.ThreateningActs

Studentsareprohibitedfromdirectingtowardanyotherpersonanylanguagethatthreatensforce,violenceordisruption,oranysignoractthatconstitutesathreatofforce,violenceordisruption.

Bombandterroristthreatsarealsoaddressedinpolicy4333,Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreatsandClearThreatstoSafety.

3.Harassment

Studentsareprohibitedfromengaginginorencouraginganyformofharassment,includingbullyingofstudents,employeesorotherindividualsonschoolgroundsoratschool-relatedfunctions.Harassmentisunwanted,unwelcomeanduninvitedbehaviorthatdemeans,threatensoroffendsthevictimandresultsinahostileenvironmentforthevictim.Thehostileenvironmentmaybecreatedthroughpervasiveorpersistentmisbehaviororasingleincidentifsufficientlysevere.

Harassmentandbullyingarefurtherdefinedinpolicy1710/4021/7230,ProhibitionAgainstDiscrimination,HarassmentandBullying.Complaintsofharassmentwillbeinvestigatedpursuanttopolicy1720/4015/7225,Discrimination,HarassmentandBullyingComplaintProcedure.Forincidentsofmisbehaviorthatdonotrisetothelevelofharassment,seepolicy4310,IntegrityandCivility,whichestablishestheexpectationthatstudentswilldemonstratecivilityandintegrityintheirinteractionswithothers.

B.CONSEQUENCES


Astudentwhoislong-termsuspendedorreassignedtoalternativeeducationservicesasaresultofassaultingorinjuringateachershallnotreturntothatteacher’sclassroomwithouttheteacher’sconsent.

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LegalReferences:G.S.14-33,-34through-34.2;115C-47,-276(r),-288,-307,-390.2,-390.7

CrossReferences:ProhibitionAgainstDiscrimination,HarassmentandBullying(policy1710/4021/7230),Discrimination,HarassmentandBullyingComplaintProcedure(policy1720/4015/7225),StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),IntegrityandCivility(policy4310),Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreatsandClearThreatstoSafety(policy4333)

Adopted:June26,2007|Revised:June7,2011;August2,2011

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Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety(Policy4333)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)willnottoleratethepresenceofweaponsordestructivedevices,bomborterroristthreats,oractionsthatconstituteaclearthreattothesafetyofstudentsoremployees.Anystudentwhoviolatesthispolicywillberemovedfromtheclassroomorschoolenvironmentforaslongasisnecessarytoprovideasafeandorderlyenvironmentforlearning.


1.WeaponsandWeapon-LikeItems

Studentsareprohibitedfrompossessing,handling,usingortransmitting,whetherconcealedoropen,anyweaponoranyinstrumentthatreasonablylookslikeaweaponorcouldbeusedasaweapon.Weaponsinclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:

a.loadedandunloadedfirearms,includingguns,pistols,andrifles;

b.destructivedevices,asdescribedinsubsectionB.2ofthispolicy,includingexplosives,suchasdynamitecartridges,bombs,grenades,andmines;

c.knives,includingpocketknives,bowieknives,switchblades,dirks,anddaggers;

d.slingshotsandslungshots;

e.leadedcanes;

f.blackjacks;

g.metalknuckles;

h.BBguns;

i.airriflesandairpistols;

j.stungunsandotherelectricshockweapons,suchastasers;

k.icepicks;

l.razorsandrazorblades(exceptthosedesignedandusedsolelyforpersonalshaving);

m.fireworks;

n.gunpowder,ammunition,orbullets;

o.anysharppointedoredgedinstrumentsexceptunalterednailfilesandclipsandtoolsusedsolelyforpreparationoffood,instruction,andmaintenance;and

p.mace,pepperspray,andotherpersonaldefensesprays.

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Examplesofotherobjectsthatmaybeconsideredweaponsareboxcuttersandothertypesofutilitybladesandblowguns.

Nostudentmayknowinglyorwillfullycause,encourage,oraidanotherstudenttopossess,handle,oruseanyoftheweaponsorweapon-likeitemslistedabove.Astudentwhofindsaweaponorweapon-likeitem,whowitnessesanotherstudentorotherpersonwithsuchanitem,orwhobecomesawarethatanotherstudentorotherpersonintendstopossess,handle,orusesuchanitemmustnotifyateacherortheprincipalimmediately.Middleandhighschoolstudentsmayalsoutilizetheanonymoussafetytiplineforreportingriskstotheschoolpopulation.

ThissectiondoesnotapplytoBoard-approvedand-authorizedactivitiesforwhichtheBoardhasadoptedappropriatesafeguardstoprotectstudentsafety.

2.BombThreats

Studentsareprohibitedfrommaking,aiding,and/orabettinginmakingabombthreatorperpetratingabombhoaxagainstschoolsystempropertybymakingafalsereportthatadevicedesignedtocausedamageordestructionbyexplosion,blasting,orburningislocatedonschoolproperty.

Nostudentmayknowinglyorwillfullycause,encourage,oraidanotherstudenttomakeabombthreatorperpetrateabombhoax.Anystudentwhobecomesawarethatanotherstudentorotherpersonintendstouseabomb,makeabombthreat,orperpetrateabombhoaxmustnotifyateacherortheprincipalimmediately.

3.TerroristThreats

Studentsareprohibitedfrommaking,aiding,conspiring,and/orabettinginmakingaterroristthreatorperpetratingaterroristhoaxagainstschoolsystempropertybymakingafalsereportthatadevice,substance,ormaterialdesignedtocauseharmfulorlife-threateninginjurytoanotherpersonislocatedonschoolpropertyorataschoolevent.

Nostudentmayknowinglyorwillfullycause,encourage,oraidanotherstudenttomakeaterroristthreatorperpetrateaterroristhoax.Anystudentwhobecomesawarethatanotherstudentorotherpersonintendstouseadevice,substance,ormaterialdesignedtocauseharmfulorlife-threateningillnessorinjurytoanotherperson,makeaterroristthreat,orperpetrateaterroristhoaxmustnotifyateacherortheprincipalimmediately.

4.ClearThreatstoStudentandEmployeeSafety

Studentsareprohibitedfromengaginginbehaviorthatconstitutesaclearthreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees.Behaviorconstitutingaclearthreattothesafetyofothersincludes,butisnotlimitedto:

a.theftorattemptedtheftbyastudentfromanotherpersonbyusingorthreateningtouseaweapon;

b.theintentionalandmaliciousburningofanystructureorpersonalproperty,includinganyvehicle;

c.anattackorthreatenedattackbyastudentagainstanotherpersonwhereinthestudentusesaweaponordisplaysaweaponinamannerfoundthreateningtothatperson;

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d.anattackbyastudentonanyemployee,adultvolunteer,orotherstudentthatdoesnotresultinseriousinjurybutthatisintendedtocauseorreasonablycouldcauseseriousinjury;

e.anattackbyastudentonanotherpersonwherebythevictimsuffersobvioussevereoraggravatedbodilyinjury,suchasbrokenbones,lossofteeth,possibleinternalinjuries,lacerationrequiringstitches,lossofconsciousness,orsignificantbruisingorpain;orwherebythevictimrequireshospitalizationortreatmentinahospitalemergencyroomasaresultoftheattack;

f.anyintentional,highlyreckless,ornegligentactthatresultsinthedeathofanotherperson;

g.confining,restraining,orremovinganotherpersonfromoneplacetoanother,withoutthevictim’sconsentortheconsentofthevictim’sparent,forthepurposeofcommittingafelonyorforthepurposeofholdingthevictimasahostage,forransom,orforuseasashield;

h.thepossessionofaweapononanyschoolproperty,includinginavehicle,withtheintenttouseortransmitforanother’suseorpossessioninarecklessmannersothatharmisreasonablyforeseeable;

i.takingorattemptingtotakeanythingofvaluefromthecare,custody,orcontrolofanotherpersonorpersons,byforce,threatofforce,orviolence,orbyputtingthevictiminfear;

j.anyunauthorizedandunwantedintentionaltouching,orattempttotouch,byonepersonofthesexorganofanother,includingthebreastsofthefemaleandthegenitalareasofthemaleandfemale;

k.thepossession,manufacture,sale,ordelivery,oranyattemptedsaleordelivery,ofacontrolledsubstanceinviolationofChapter90oftheNorthCarolinaGeneralStatutes;

l.anybehaviorresultinginafelonyconvictiononaweapons,drug,assault,orotherchargethatimplicatesthesafetyofotherpersons;and

m.anyotherbehaviorthatdemonstratesaclearthreattothesafetyofothersintheschoolenvironment.

B.CONSEQUENCES

1.GeneralConsequences

ThedisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicyshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthispolicy.

2.SpecificConsequencesMandatedbyLaw

Asrequiredbylaw,astudentwhobringsorpossessesafirearmordestructivedeviceonschoolpropertyorataschool-sponsoredeventmustbesuspendedfor365days,unlesstheSuperintendentmodifies,inwriting,therequired365-daysuspensionforanindividualstudentonacase-by-casebasis.TheSuperintendentshallnotimposea365-daysuspensioniftheSuperintendentdeterminesthatthestudent(1)tookorreceivedthefirearmordestructivedevicefromanotherpersonatschoolorfoundthefirearmordestructivedeviceatschool,(2)deliveredorreportedthefirearmor

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destructivedeviceassoonaspracticabletoalawenforcementofficerorschoolpersonnel,and(3)hadnointenttousethefirearmordestructivedeviceinaharmfulorthreateningway.

Forthepurposeofthissubsection,afirearmis(1)aweapon,includingastartergunthatwill,isdesignedto,ormayreadilybeconvertedtoexpelaprojectilebytheactionofanexplosive,(2)theframeorreceiverofanysuchweapon,or(3)anyfirearmmufflerorfirearmsilencer.Afirearmdoesnotincludeaninoperableantiquefirearm,aBBgun,astungun,anairrifle,oranairpistol.Forthepurposesofthissubsection,adestructivedeviceisanexplosive,incendiary,orpoisongas(1)bomb,(2)grenade,(3)rockethavingapropellantchargeofmorethanfourounces,(4)missilehavinganexplosiveorincendiarychargeofmorethanone-quarterounce,(5)mine,or(6)similardevice.

Astudentmaynotbesuspendedfor365daysforaweaponsviolationexceptinaccordancewiththissubsection.

LegalReferences:Gun-FreeSchoolsAct,20U.S.C.7961;G.S.14-17,-18,-27.2through-27.5A,-32,-33,-34through-34.2,-41,-60,-69.1,-69.2,-87,-87.1,-132,-132.2,-202.2,-208.18,-269.2,-277.5,-277.6;ch.90art.5;115C-47,-105.51,-276(r),-288,-307,-390.1,-390.2,-390.10

CrossReferences:StudentSexOffenders(policy4260),StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),IntegrityandCivility(policy4310),DisruptiveBehavior(policy4315),Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty(policy4330),Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(policy4331),CriminalBehavior(policy4335)

Adopted:November7,1995

Revised:July30,2001;July2003;June26,2007;November13,2007;August2,2011;June28,2016;November21,2016;January8,2019

CriminalBehavior(Policy4335)

Criminalorotherillegalbehaviorisprohibited.Anystudentwhotheprincipalreasonablybelieveshasengagedincriminalbehavioronschoolpremisesoratschoolactivitieswillbesubjecttoappropriatedisciplinaryaction,asstatedinapplicableboardpolicies,andalsomaybecriminallyprosecuted.

Schoolofficialsshallcooperatefullywithanycriminalinvestigationandprosecution.Schoolofficialsshallindependentlyinvestigateanycriminalbehaviorthatalsoviolatesschoolrulesorboardpolicy.

A.STUDENTSCHARGEDWITHORCONVICTEDOFCRIMINALBEHAVIOR

Thesuperintendentandprincipalmaytakereasonableorlegallyrequiredmeasurestopreserveasafe,orderlyenvironmentwhenastudenthasbeenchargedwithorconvictedofaseriouscrime,regardlessofwhethertheallegedoffensewascommittedonschoolgroundsorwasrelatedtoschoolactivities.Dependinguponthecircumstances,includingthenatureofthecrimeorallegedcrime,thechild’sage,andthepublicitywithintheschoolcommunity,reasonableorlegallyrequiredeffortsmayincludechangingastudent’sclassroomassignmentortransferringthestudenttoanotherschool.Transfertoanalternativeschoolmaybemadeinaccordancewiththecriteriaestablishedinpolicy3470/4305,AlternativeLearningPrograms/Schools.Thestudentwillcontinuetobeprovidedwitheducationalopportunitiesunlessanduntilthestudentisfoundtohaveviolatedboardpolicyorschoolrulesandissuspendedorexpelledinaccordancewithproceduresestablishedinboardpolicy.

B.REPORTINGCRIMINALBEHAVIOR

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Aschoolemployeeispermittedtoreporttolawenforcementanassaultbyastudentonaschoolemployee.Principalsorothersupervisorsshallnot,bythreatsorinanyothermanner,intimidate,orattempttointimidatetheschoolemployeefromdoingso.

Principalsmustimmediatelyreporttolawenforcementthefollowingactswhentheyhavepersonalknowledgeoractualnoticefromschoolpersonnelthatsuchactshaveoccurredonschoolproperty,regardlessoftheageorgradeoftheperpetratororvictim:(1)assaultresultinginseriouspersonalinjury;(2)sexualassault;(3)sexualoffense;(4)rape;(5)kidnapping;(6)indecentlibertieswithaminor;(7)assaultinvolvingtheuseofaweapon;(8)possessionofafirearminviolationofthelaw;(9)possessionofaweaponinviolationofthelaw;and(10)possessionofacontrolledsubstanceinviolationofthelaw.Aprincipalwhowillfullyfailstomakearequiredreporttolawenforcementwillbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingdismissal.

Theprincipalordesigneeshallnotifythesuperintendentordesigneeinwritingorbye-mailofanyreportmadebytheprincipaltolawenforcement.Suchnoticemustoccurbytheendoftheworkdayinwhichtheincidentoccurred,whenreasonablypossible,butnotlaterthantheendofthefollowingworkday.Thesuperintendentmustinformtheboardofanysuchreports.Inaddition,theprincipalordesigneemustnotifytheparentsofstudentswhoareallegedtobevictimsofanyreportedoffenses.

CertaincrimesmustbereportedtotheStateBoardofEducationinaccordancewithStateBoardofEducationPolicySSCH-000.

LegalReferences:Gun-FreeSchoolsAct,20U.S.C.7961;G.S.14-17,-18,-27.21,-27.22,-27.24through-27.27,-27.29,-27.30,-27.33,-32through-34.10,-39,-87,-202,-202.1,-202.2,-269.2;ch.90art.5;115C-47(56);-288(g);StateBoardofEducationPolicySSCH-000

CrossReferences:AlternativeLearningPrograms/Schools(policy3470/4305),DrugsandAlcohol(policy4325),Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty(policy4330),Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(policy4331),Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety(policy4333),School-LevelInvestigations(policy4340)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:February2,2016;November21,2016;May3,2017

SchoolLevelInvestigations(Policy4340)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)iscommittedtocreatingasafe,orderlyenvironmentforstudentsandemployees.Principalsareauthorizedandresponsibleforinvestigatingconductthatmayviolateaboardpolicy,schoolstandard,schoolrule,ortheCodeofStudentConduct.

Allemployeesandstudents,includingstudentsallegedtohaveengagedinmisconduct,areexpectedtorespondfullyandtruthfullytoanyquestionsorissuesraisedinthecourseoftheinvestigationandanyrelatedproceedings.

Anystudentwhohasviolatedaboardpolicy,schoolstandard,schoolrule,ortheCodeofStudentConductmustaccepttheconsequencesforhisorhermisbehavior.Allconsequencesmustbeadministeredinafairandnondiscriminatorymanner.

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Theschooladministratorshalltakethefollowingstepsinaddressingallcasesofallegedmisbehaviorappropriatelyreferredtohisorheroffice:

1.investigatethefactsandcircumstancesrelatedtotheallegedmisbehavior;

2.offerthestudentanopportunitytobeheardonthematter;and

3.determinewhetheraboardpolicy,schoolstandard,schoolrule,ortheCodeofStudentConducthasbeenviolated.

Ifaviolationhasoccurred,theschooladministratorshallimplementanappropriateconsequenceinaccordancewiththeschool’splanformanagingstudentbehavior,theCodeofStudentConduct,orapplicableboardpolicy.Parentsaretobenotifiedandinvolvedinaccordancewithpolicy4341,ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues.

Whenthemisbehaviormayresultinasuspensionoranexpulsionfromschool,proceduresprovidedinrelatedboardpoliciesalsowillapply.Seepolicy4351,Short-TermSuspension,andpolicy4353,Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion.

AstudentwithdisabilitiesrecognizedbySection504oftheRehabilitationActof1973ortheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)willbeaccordedallrightsgrantedbyfederalandstatelawsandregulations(seepolicy4307,DisciplinaryActionforExceptionalChildren/StudentswithDisabilities).

LegalReferences:AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12131etseq.,28C.F.R.pt.35;IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,20U.S.C.1400etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.300;RehabilitationActof1973,29U.S.C.705(20),794,34C.F.R.pt.104;G.S.115Cart.9;115C-47,-288,-390.4,-390.5,-390.6,-390.7,-390.8,-390.10,-390.11;PoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilities,StateBoardofEducationPolicyEXCP-000

CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),DisciplinaryActionforExceptionalChildren/StudentswithDisabilities(policy4307),ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues(policy4341),StudentSearches(policy4342),Short-TermSuspension(policy4351),Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(policy4353)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:November13,2007;June29,2017

ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues(Policy4341)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)recognizestheneedforparentsandguardianstoworkwithschoolemployeesinhelpingstudentstolearnandpracticeacceptablestandardsofbehavior.Schoolemployeesaredirectedtoencourageparentstoparticipateindiscussionsoneffectivestrategiesforcorrectingmisbehaviorandappropriateconsequencesforviolationsofboardpolicies,theCodeofStudentConduct,andotherschoolstandardsandschoolrules.

Schoolemployeesareexpected,aspartoftheirschool’sstudentbehaviormanagementplan,toidentifystrategiesthatinvolveparents.Ataminimum,theplanmustprovideforinvitingparentstoconferenceswhenevertherearerepeatedviolationsofboardpolicies,theCodeofStudentConduct,schoolstandardsorschoolrulesorwheneverthereisaseriousviolationthatmayresultinremovingthestudentfromhisorherregulareducationalenvironmentforanyextendedperiodoftime.Parentsalsohavetherighttoinspectorobtaincopiesofstudentrecordsasprovidedinpolicy4700,StudentRecords.

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Whentheprincipaldecidestoimposeashort-termsuspension,theprincipalshall:

1.notifytheparentinaccordancewithSectionCofpolicy4351,Short-TermSuspension;

2.maintaindocumentsandrelevantinformationthatheorshereceivesaboutthemisbehaviorforreviewwiththeparent,takingintoaccounttherightsofotherstudentsorstaffthatmaybeinvolved;

3.makereasonableefforts,ifappropriate,tomeetwiththeparentbeforeoratthetimethestudentreturnstoschoolafteranysuspension;and

4.makeavailableacopyofthispolicy,theCodeofStudentConduct,andallotherapplicableboardpolicies,schoolstandardsandschoolrules.

Whenashort-termsuspensionhasbeenimposed,theprincipalshallinformtheparentofthestudent’srightsunderpolicy4351,Short-TermSuspension.

Whentheprincipaldecidestorecommendalong-termsuspension,a365-daysuspensionoranexpulsion,theprincipalshallinformtheparentofthestudent’srights,asoutlinedinpolicy4353,Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion.IfEnglishisthesecondlanguageoftheparentorguardian,theprincipalshallprovidethenoticeinEnglishandalsointheparent’sorguardian’sfirstlanguagewhentheappropriateforeignlanguageresourcesareavailable.

Allrecordsofparentalcontactshouldbemaintainedinthestudent’srecordsandretainedatleastthroughtheendoftheschoolyear.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-47,-390.5,-390.6,-390.7,-390.8,-390.10,-390.11

CrossReferences:ParentalInvolvement(policy1310/4002),Short-TermSuspension(policy4351),Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(policy4353),StudentRecords(policy4700)

Adopted:June26,2007;April4,2017

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StudentSearches(Policy4342)

A.AUTHORITYTOCONDUCTSEARCHESANDSEIZURES

Schooladministratorshavetheauthoritytoconductreasonablesearchesandseizematerialsinaccordancewiththispolicyforthepurposeofmaintainingasafe,orderlyenvironmentandforupholdingstandardsofconductestablishedbytheboardorschool.Thispolicydoesnotapplytoinvestigationsconductedbylawenforcementofficialsortoinvestigationsconductedexclusivelyforthepurposeofcriminalprosecution.Anyschoolofficialcarryingoutasearchorseizureisexpectedtobeknowledgeableabouttheconstitutionalrightsofstudentsandtheappropriateproceduresforconductingthesearchorseizure.Reasonablesuspicionthatastudenthasunauthorizedorillegalmaterialsisgenerallyrequiredbeforeanindividualmaybesingledoutforasearch.Reasonablesuspicionisnotrequiredifastudentfreely,voluntarilyandknowinglyconsentsandagreestothesearchofhisorherpersonorpersonaleffects.

Asusedinthispolicy,theterm“unauthorized”meansanyitemdangeroustothehealthorsafetyofstudentsorschoolpersonnel,ordisruptiveofanylawfulfunction,missionorprocessoftheschool,oranyitemdescribedasunauthorizedinschoolrulespublishedandmadeavailabletothestudent.

Astudent’sfailuretopermitreasonablesearchesandseizuresasprovidedinthispolicyshallbeconsideredaviolationoftheexpectedstandardofbehaviorandappropriateconsequencesmaybeimposed.

Resourceofficersemployedbytheschooldistrictmayconductsearchesinconjunctionwithschoolofficialsunderthereasonablesuspicionstandardsolongastheofficersareprimarilyresponsibletotheschooldistrictandnottothelocalpolicedepartmentorsheriff’soffice,andareotherwiseactinginthecourseandscopeoftheirdutiesasaschoolresourceofficer.Referencestoschoolofficialsinthispolicyshallincludeschoolresourceofficers,providedthesesconditionsaremet.

B.PERSONALSEARCHES

Astudent’spersonand/orpersonaleffects(e.g.,purse,bookbag,etc.)maybesearchedwheneveraschoolauthorityhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethatthestudentisinpossessionofillegalorunauthorizedmaterialandthatthematerialcouldbefoundonthestudent’spersonorinthepersonaleffects,givenitssizeorshape.

Ifafriskor“patdown”searchofastudent’spersonisconducted,itmustbeconductedinprivatebyaschoolofficialofthesamesexandwithanadultwitnesspresent,whenfeasible.

Iftheschoolofficialhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethatthestudenthasonhisorherpersonanitemimminentlydangeroustothestudentortoothers,amoreintrusivesearchofthestudent’spersonmaybeconducted.Suchasearchmaybeconductedonlyinprivatebyaschoolofficialofthesamesex,withanadultwitnessofthesamesexpresent,andonlyuponthepriorapprovalofthesuperintendentorhisorherdesignee,unlessthehealthorsafetyofstudentswillbeendangeredbythedelaywhichmightbecausedbyfollowingtheseprocedures.

C.USEOFMETALDETECTORS

Ametaldetectorcanbeusedtosearchastudent’spersonand/orpersonaleffectswheneveraschoolofficialhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethatthestudentisinpossessionofaweapon.Thesearchmustbeconductedbyaschoolofficial.Thesearchwillbeconductedinprivate,whenfeasible.

Aschoolisauthorizedtoconductgeneralsearchesofstudentsandtheirpersonaleffectswithametaldetectorbeforeastudentcangainentrytotheschoolcampusoranyschool-sponsoredextracurricularactivity.Screeningbyametaldetectormayalsobemadeofthegeneralpublicatschool-sponsoredevents.Thesearchmustbeconductedinaccordancewithproceduresestablishedbythesuperintendentorhisorherdesignee.Priortoinitiatinggeneralsearches,theschoolmust:(1)substantiatetothesuperintendenttheneedforgeneralsearchesbaseduponapatternorexpectationofviolenceordisruption,or,atextracurricular

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activities,theneedforadditionalsecurity;and(2)providewrittennotice,iffeasible,tostudentsandparentsoftheschoolpolicygoverninggeneralsearches,butnotofspecifictimesorplaceswheresearcheswillbeconducted.Anysearchconductedpursuanttothispolicymustbeconductedbyaschoolofficial.

D.LOCKERSEARCHES

Studentlockersareschoolpropertyandremainatalltimesunderthecontroloftheschool.However,studentsareexpectedtoassumefullresponsibilityforthesecurityoftheirlockers.Studentlockersmaynotbeusedtostoreillegal,unauthorizedorcontrabandmaterials.Inspectionsoflockersmaybeconductedbyschoolauthoritiesforanyreasonconsistentwithboardpoliciesorschoolrulesatanytime,withoutnotice,withoutconsent,andwithoutasearchwarrant.Astudent’spersonaleffectsfoundinalocker,suchasbackpacks,gymbagsorpurses,maybesearchedonlypursuanttoguidelinesforpersonalsearchesdescribedabove.

E.SEARCHESOFSTUDENTMOTORVEHICLES

Studentsarepermittedtoparkonschoolpremisesasamatterofprivilege,notofright.Theschoolretainsauthoritytopatrolstudentparkinglotsatanytime,withoutnoticeorconsent.Theinteriorofastudent’smotorvehicleparkedontheschoolpremisesmaybesearchedifaschoolofficialhasreasonablesuspiciontobelievethatillegal,unauthorizedorcontrabanditemsarecontainedinside.

F.USEOFTRAINEDDOGSINCONDUCTINGSEARCHES

Withthepriorapprovalofthesuperintendent,schoolofficialsmayusetraineddogsininspectionsforillegal,unauthorizedorcontrabandmaterialsinschoolfacilities,groundsandschoolparkinglots.Alldogsmustbeaccompaniedbyaqualifiedandauthorizedtrainerwhowillberesponsibleforthedog’sactionsandwhocanverifythedog’sreliabilityandaccuracyinsniffingoutcontraband.Traineddogsmaysnifflockers,studentmotorvehiclesandotherinanimateobjects.Suchinspectionsarenotconsideredsearchesanddonotrequirenoticeorconsent.

Dogsmaynotbeusedforrandomsearchesofstudentsorotherpersons.Ifaschoolofficialhasreasonablesuspicionthatastudentpossessesillegal,unauthorizedorcontrabandmaterialonhisorherperson,adogmaysnifftheairnearthestudent.Suchasearchwillbeconductedinprivatewiththeschoolofficialandanadultwitnesspresent,whenfeasible.

LegalReferences:U.S.Const.amend.IV;G.S.115C-47,-288,-307,-391

CrossReferences:SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302)SchoolLevelInvestigations(policy4340)

Adopted:June26,2007


StudentDisciplineRecords(Policy4345)

A.RETENTIONOFRECORDSANDREPORTOFDATA

Theprincipalshallretainineachstudent’sfile,eitherinpaperorelectronicform,allrecordsrelatedtoviolationsofboardpolicies,theCodeofStudentConduct,schoolstandards,orschoolrules.

Asrequiredbylaw,thesuperintendentshallmaintainthefollowingdataoneachstudentwhowassuspendedformorethan10days,reassignedfordisciplinaryreasons,expelled,ortowhomcorporalpunishmentwasadministered:race,gender,age,gradelevel,ethnicity,disabilitystatus,typeofincidentoroffense,duration

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ofthesuspension,whetheralternativeeducationserviceswereprovided,andwhetherthestudenthadmultiplesuspensionsinthatacademicyear.

Assecretarytotheboard,thesuperintendentalsoshallmaintainrecordsfromtheboard’sconsiderationsof365-daysuspensionsandexpulsionsandanyreadmissionreconsiderationsof365-daysuspensionsandexpulsions.

ThesuperintendentshallensurethatdataondisciplinaryincidentsisreportedusingthestatestudentinformationsystemapplicationinaccordancewithStateBoardofEducationpoliciesandprocedures.

B.DISCLOSUREOFRECORDS

Confidentialstudentrecordsconcerningconductthatposedasignificantsafetyrisktothestudentorothersintheschoolcommunitymaybedisclosedtoteachersandschoolofficials,includingteachersandschoolofficialsinotherschools,whohavelegitimateeducationalinterestsinthebehaviorofthestudent.

C.REMOVALOFRECORDS

1.EndofYearRemoval

Thefollowingtypesofdisciplinerecordsmaynotberemovedfromstudentrecords,electronicfiles,anddatabasesattheendoftheschoolyear:

a.noticeofanysuspensionforaperiodofmorethan10daysandtherecordoftheconductforwhichthestudentwassuspended;

b.noticeofanyexpulsionunderG.S.115C-390.11andtherecordoftheconductforwhichthestudentwasexpelled;and

c.anyrecords(includingofin-schoolsuspensionsorshort-termsuspensions)thatneedtobemaintainedinordertobeabletoservethestudentappropriatelyortoprotectthesafetyofothers.

2.ExpungingRecords

Thesuperintendentordesigneeshallexpungeanyrecordofsuspensionforaperiodofmorethan10daysorexpulsionifthefollowingcriteriaaremet:

a.arequestthattherecordbeexpungedismadetothesuperintendentordesigneebythestudent’sparentorguardian,orbythestudentifthestudentisatleast16yearsoldorisemancipated;

b.thestudenteithergraduatesfromhighschoolorisnotsuspendedorexpelledagainduringthetwo-yearperiodcommencingonthedateofthestudent’sreturntoschoolaftertheexpulsionorsuspension;and

c.thesuperintendentordesigneedeterminesthatthemaintenanceoftherecordisnolongerneededtoadequatelyservethechildortomaintainsafeandorderlyschools.

Inaddition,thesuperintendentmayexpungeanynoticeofsuspensionorexpulsionfromastudent’sofficialrecordprovidedthatcriteriab.andc.abovearemet.

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Thissectionisnotintendedtolimitparents’righttorequestremovalofinformationfromastudent’srecordunderpolicy4700,StudentRecords.

LegalReferences:FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct,20U.S.C.1232g(h),34C.F.R.99.31,99.36;G.S.115C-47,-276(r),-390.4,-390.7,-390.8,-390.10,-390.11,-390.12,-402

CrossReferences:Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty(policy4330),Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(policy4331),Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety(policy4333),Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(policy4353),StudentRecords(policy4700)

OtherReferences:NorthCarolinaDisciplineDataReportingProcedures,N.C.DepartmentofPublicInstructionSafeandHealthySchoolsSupportDivision(Revised,October2013),availableathttp://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/research/discipline/collection/discipline-reporting-procedures.pdf

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:August2,2011;April4,2017

Short-TermSuspension

(Policy4351)

Ashort-termsuspensionisthedisciplinaryexclusionofastudentfromattendinghisorherassignedschoolforupto10schooldays.Ashort-termsuspensiondoesnotinclude(1)theremovalofastudentfromclassbytheclassroomteacher,theprincipal,orotherauthorizedschoolpersonnelfortheremainderofthesubjectperiodorforlessthanone-halfoftheschoolday,(2)thechangingofastudent’slocationtoanotherroomorplaceontheschoolpremises,or(3)astudent’sabsenceunderG.S.130A-440(forfailuretosubmitaschoolhealthassessmentformwithin30daysofenteringschool).Astudentwhoisplacedonashort-termsuspensionwillnotbepermittedtobeonschoolpropertyortotakepartinanyschoolfunctionduringtheperiodofsuspensionwithoutpriorapprovalfromtheprincipal.

Theprincipalordesigneehastheauthoritytodeterminewhenashort-termsuspensionisanappropriateconsequenceandtoimposethesuspension,solongasallrelevantboardpoliciesarefollowed.

InaccordancewithG.S.115C-390.6(e)and115C-45(c)(1),astudentisnotentitledtoappealtheprincipal’sdecisiontoimposeashort-termsuspensiontoeitherthesuperintendentortheboardunlessitisappealableonsomeotherbasis.

A.PRE-SUSPENSIONRIGHTSOFTHESTUDENT

Exceptinthecircumstancesdescribedbelow,astudentmustbeprovidedwithanopportunityforaninformalhearingwiththeprincipalordesigneebeforeashort-termsuspensionisimposed.Theprincipalordesigneemayholdthehearingimmediatelyaftergivingthestudentoralorwrittennoticeofthechargesagainsthimorher.Attheinformalhearing,thestudenthastherighttobepresent,tobeinformedofthechargesandthebasisfortheaccusationsagainsthimorher,andtomakestatementsindefenseormitigationofthecharges.

Theprincipalordesigneemayimposeashort-termsuspensionwithoutfirstprovidingthestudentwithanopportunityforahearingifthepresenceofthestudent(1)createsadirectandimmediatethreattothesafetyofotherstudentsorstaffor(2)substantiallydisruptsorinterfereswiththeeducationofotherstudentsorthemaintenanceofdisciplineattheschool.Insuchcases,theprincipal

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ordesigneeshallgivethestudentnoticeofthechargesandanopportunityforaninformalhearingassoonaspracticable.

B.STUDENTRIGHTSDURINGTHESUSPENSION

Astudentunderashort-termsuspensionmustbeprovidedwiththefollowing:

1.theopportunitytotaketextbookshomeforthedurationofthesuspension;

2.uponrequest,therighttoreceiveallmissedassignmentsand,totheextentpracticable,thematerialsdistributedtostudentsinconnectionwithsuchassignments;and

3.theopportunitytotakeanyquarterly,semester,orgradingperiodexaminationsmissedduringthesuspensionperiod.

C.NOTICETOPARENTORGUARDIAN

Whenimposingashort-termsuspension,theprincipalordesigneeshallprovidethestudent’sparentorguardianwithnoticethatincludesthereasonforthesuspensionandadescriptionofthestudentconductuponwhichthesuspensionisbased.Theprincipalordesigneemustgivethisnoticebytheendoftheworkdayduringwhichthesuspensionisimposedwhenreasonablypossible,butinnoeventmorethantwodaysafterthesuspensionisimposed.IfEnglishisthesecondlanguageoftheparent,thenoticemustbeprovidedinEnglishandintheparent’sprimarylanguage,whentheappropriateforeignlanguageresourcesarereadilyavailable.Bothversionsmustbeinplainlanguageandeasilyunderstandable.

Theinitialnoticemaybebytelephone,butitmustbefollowedbytimelywrittennotice.Thewrittennoticemustincludealloftheinformationlistedaboveandmaybesentbyfax,e-mail,oranyothermethodreasonablydesignedtogiveactualnotice.Schoolofficialsalsoshallmaintainacopyofthewrittennoticeinthestudent’seducationalrecord.

Multipleshort-termsuspensionsforastudentwithdisabilitieswillbeaddressedinaccordancewiththePoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilitiesandotherapplicablestateandfederallaw.

LegalReferences:AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct,42U.S.C.12131etseq.,28C.F.R.pt.35;IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,20U.S.C.1400etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.300;RehabilitationActof1973,29U.S.C.705(20),794,34C.F.R.pt.104;G.S.115Cart.9;115C-45(c),-47,-276(r),-288,-307,-390.1,-390.2,-390.5,-390.6;130A-440;PoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilities,StateBoardofEducationPolicyEXCP-000

CrossReferences:SchoolSafety(policy1510/4200/7270),SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),School-LevelInvestigations(policy4340),ParentalInvolvementinStudentBehaviorIssues(policy4341),RemovalofStudentDuringtheDay(policy4352)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:November13,2007;August2,2011;February2,2016;May3,2017

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RemovalofStudentDuringtheDay(Policy4352)

Theprincipalisauthorizedtoimposeout-of-schoolsuspensionsfromschoolinaccordancewithboardpolicy.

Theprincipalmayremovefromschoolgroundsastudentwhohasbeensuspendedduringtheschoolday,underanyofthefollowingcircumstances:

•theparenthasbeennotifiedandisabletomakearrangementsforthestudenttoleavetheschooloragreestothestudent’susingpublictransportationordrivinghimselforherselfhome;

•theparenthasbeennotifiedandisavailabletoreceivethestudent,andtheprincipalisabletoarrangetransportationfromtheschooltothehome;or

•theprincipalinvolveslawenforcementintheremovalofthestudentfromschoolgroundsbecausesuchactionisnecessarytoprovideasafe,orderlyschoolenvironment.

Ifnoneofthesecircumstancesexists,thesuspensionwillbeginonthenextschoolday.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-47,-288,-390.3,-390.5,-391.1

CrossReferences:Short-TermSuspension(policy4351)

Adopted:June26,2007


Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(Policy4353)

A.DEFINITIONS

1.Superintendent

Forpurposesofthispolicy,superintendentincludesthesuperintendentandthesuperintendent’sdesignee.

2.Principal

Forpurposesofthispolicy,principalincludestheprincipalandtheprincipal’sdesignee.

3.Long-TermSuspension

Along-termsuspensionisthedisciplinaryexclusionofastudentfromattendinghisorherassignedschoolformorethan10schooldays.Disciplinaryreassignmentofastudenttoafull-timeeducationalprogramthatmeetstheacademicrequirementsofthestandardcourseofstudyestablishedbytheStateBoardofEducationandthatprovidesthestudentwiththeopportunitytomaketimelyprogresstowardgraduationandgradepromotionisnotalong-termsuspensionrequiringthedueprocessproceduressetoutinthispolicy,norisanabsenceunderG.S.130A-440(forfailuretosubmitaschoolhealthassessmentformwithin30daysofenteringschool).

Upontherecommendationoftheprincipal,thesuperintendentmayimposealong-termsuspensiononastudentwhowillfullyengagesinaseriousviolationoftheCodeofStudentConductandtheviolation

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either(1)threatensthesafetyofstudents,staff,orschoolvisitors,or(2)threatenstosubstantiallydisrupttheeducationalenvironment.Theprincipalmayrecommendlong-termsuspensionforaminorviolationifaggravatingcircumstancesjustifytreatingthestudent’sbehaviorasaseriousviolation.

Iftheoffenseleadingtothelong-termsuspensionoccurredbeforethefinalquarteroftheschoolyear,theexclusionmustbenolongerthantheremainderoftheschoolyearinwhichtheoffensewascommitted.Iftheoffenseleadingtothelong-termsuspensionoccurredduringthefinalquarteroftheschoolyear,theexclusionmayincludeaperioduptotheremainderoftheschoolyearinwhichtheoffensewascommittedandthefirstsemesterofthefollowingschoolyear.

4.365-DaySuspension

A365-daysuspensionisthedisciplinaryexclusionofastudentfromattendinghisorherassignedschoolfor365calendardays.Thesuperintendentmayimposea365-daysuspensiononlyforcertainfirearmanddestructivedeviceviolations,asidentifiedinpolicy4333,Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety.

5.Expulsion

Anexpulsionistheindefiniteexclusionofastudentfromschoolenrollmentfordisciplinarypurposes.Upontherecommendationofthesuperintendent,theboardmayexpelastudentwhois14yearsofageorolderforcertaintypesofmisbehaviorasprovidedinpolicy4325,DrugsandAlcohol,policy4330,Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty,policy4331,Assaults,Threats,andHarassment,andpolicy4333,Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety,ifthestudent’scontinuedpresenceinschoolconstitutesaclearthreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees.Additionally,astudentwhoissubjecttopolicy4260,StudentSexOffenders,maybeexpelledifthestudent’scontinuedpresenceinschoolconstitutesaclearthreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees.Duringtheexpulsion,thestudentisnotentitledtobepresentoneducationalpropertyandisnotconsideredastudentoftheschoolsystem.

B.DETERMINATIONOFAPPROPRIATECONSEQUENCE

1.Principal’sRecommendation

Theprincipalmayimposeashort-termsuspensionoranyotherconsequencethatisconsistentwithpolicy4351,Short-TermSuspension,policy4302,SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior,andtheCodeofStudentConduct.Iftheprincipaldeterminesthatasuspensionofmorethan10days(eitherlong-termor365-day)oranexpulsionisanappropriateconsequence,theprincipalshallproposethedisciplinarypenaltybaseduponareviewofthestudent’sculpabilityanddangerousnessandtheharmcausedbythestudent,plusanyothermitigatingoraggravatingfactorstheprincipalfindsrelevant.

a.CulpabilityofStudent–Inassessingtheculpabilityofthestudentforhisorherbehavior,theprincipalmayconsidercriteriasuchas:

1)thestudent’sage;

2)thestudent’sabilitytoformtheintenttocausetheharmthatoccurredorcouldhaveoccurred;and

3)evidenceofthestudent’sintentwhenengagingintheconduct.

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b.DangerousnessoftheStudent–Inassessingthedangerousnessofthestudent,theprincipalmayconsidercriteriasuchas:

1)thestudent’sdisciplinaryorcriminalrecordrelatedtoanti-socialbehaviorordrugsandalcohol;

2)whetheraweaponwasinvolvedintheincidentandifaweaponwasinvolved,whetherthestudenthadtheabilitytoinflictseriousinjuryordeathwiththeweapon;

3)evidenceofthestudent’sabilitytocausetheharmthatwasintendedorthatoccurred;and

4)whetherthestudentissubjecttopolicy4260,StudentSexOffenders.

c.HarmCausedbytheStudent–Inassessingtheseverityoftheharmcausedbythestudent,theprincipalmayconsidercriteriasuchaswhetheranyofthefollowingoccurred:

1)someonewasphysicallyinjuredorkilled;

2)someonewasdirectlythreatenedorpropertywasextortedthroughtheuseofaweapon;

3)someonewasdirectlyharmed,eitheremotionallyorpsychologically;

4)educationalpropertyorothers’personalpropertywasdamaged;or

5)students,schoolemployees,orparentswereawareofthepresenceofaweaponorofdangerousbehavioronthepartoftheperpetrator.

Afterconsideringtheabovefactors,theprincipalshallmakearecommendationtothesuperintendent,statingthenatureoftheoffense,thesubstanceoftheevidenceinvolved,andthelengthofsuspensionrecommended.Theprincipalalsomustconsiderandmakearecommendationastowhetheranyalternativeeducationservices,counseling,orotherprogramsshouldbepartoftheconsequenceforviolatingboardpolicy,theCodeofStudentConduct,schoolstandards,orschoolrules.

Iftheprincipalrecommendsa365-daysuspension,heorshemustidentifythetypeoffirearmordestructivedeviceinvolvedandtheevidencesubstantiatingthatthestudentbroughtittoschoolgroundsortoaschoolactivityorpossesseditonschoolgroundsorataschoolactivity.

Iftheprincipalrecommendsanexpulsion,heorsheshallidentifythebasisfordeterminingthatthereisclearandconvincingevidencethatthestudent’scontinuedpresenceinschoolconstitutesaclearthreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees.

2.NoticetotheStudent’sParent

Theprincipalmustprovidetothestudent’sparentwrittennoticeoftherecommendationforlong-termsuspension,365-daysuspension,orexpulsionbytheendoftheworkdayduringwhichthelong-termsuspensionorexpulsionisrecommendedwhenreasonablypossibleorassoonthereafteraspracticable.ThenoticemustbewritteninplainEnglishand,whenappropriatelanguageresourcesarereadilyavailable,alsointheparent’snativelanguage.Thenoticemustcontainthefollowing10elements:

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a.thenoticetype,i.e.,noticeoflong-termsuspension,365-daysuspension,orexpulsion;*

b.adescriptionoftheincidentandthestudent’sconductthatledtotherecommendation;

c.thespecificprovision(s)oftheCodeofStudentConductthatthestudentallegedlyviolated;

d.thespecificprocessbywhichtheparentmayrequestahearingtocontestthedecisionandthedeadlineformakingtherequest;*

e.theprocessbywhichthehearingwillbeheld,includingalldueprocessrightstobeaccordedthestudentduringthehearing;

f.noticeoftherighttoretainanattorneytorepresentthestudentinthehearingprocess;

g.noticethatanadvocate,insteadofanattorney,mayaccompanythestudenttoassistinthepresentationoftheappeal;

h.noticeoftherighttoreviewandobtaincopiesofthestudent’seducationalrecordspriortothehearing;

i.areferencetopolicy4345,StudentDisciplineRecords,regardingtheexpungementofdisciplinaryrecords;and

j.theidentityandphonenumberofaschoolemployeewhomtheparentmaycalltoobtainassistanceinreceivingaSpanishtranslationoftheEnglishlanguageinformationincludedinthedocument.*

*ThisinformationmustbeprovidedonthenoticeinbothEnglishandSpanish.

3.Superintendent’sDecision

Thestudentorstudent’sparentmayrequestahearingbeforethesuperintendentwithinthreedaysofreceivingnoticefromtheprincipaloftherecommendationforlong-termsuspension,365-daysuspension,orexpulsion.AnyhearingheldwillfollowthehearingproceduresoutlinedinSectionAofpolicy4370,StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures.Adecisionwillberenderedbeforethelong-termsuspensionisimposed.

Thesuperintendentmayappointadesigneetoholdthehearing.Thedesigneeshallnotbeunderthedirectsupervisionoftheprincipalrecommendingthesuspension.Thedesigneeshalldeterminetherelevantfactsandcredibilityofwitnessesbasedontheevidencepresentedatthehearingandmakehis/herrecommendationtothesuperintendentaccordingly.

Ifthestudentorparentmakesatimelyrequestforahearing,thesuperintendentordesigneeshallconfirmthatthechargesagainstthestudent,ifsubstantiated,couldwarranttherecommendeddisciplinaryactionandshallgivethestudentandparentreasonablenoticeofthetimeandplaceofthehearing.

Ifneitherthestudentnortheparentappearsforascheduledhearingafterbeinggivenreasonablenoticeofthetimeandplaceofthehearing,thestudentandparentaredeemedtohavewaivedtherighttoahearing.

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Ifthestudentandparentfailtomakeatimelyrequestforahearingoriftheywaivetherighttoahearingbyfailingtoappearforadulyscheduledhearing,thesuperintendentshallreviewthecircumstancesoftherecommendedlong-termsuspension.Followingthisreview,thesuperintendent(1)mayimposethelong-termor365-daysuspensionifitisconsistentwithboardpoliciesandappropriateunderthecircumstances,(2)mayimposeanotherappropriatepenaltyauthorizedbyboardpolicy,or(3)maydeclinetoimposeanypenalty.

Ifthestudentorparentrequestsapostponementofthehearing,oriftherequestforthehearingisuntimely,thehearingwillbescheduled,butthestudentdoesnothavetherighttoreturntoschoolpendingthehearing.

Basedonsubstantialevidencepresentedatthehearing,thesuperintendentshalldecidewhethertouphold,modify,orrejecttheprincipal’srecommendation.Thesuperintendentshallimmediatelyinformtheprincipalofthedecisionregardingtherecommendeddisciplinarypenaltyofalong-termor365-daysuspensionand,whenapplicable,ofanymodificationstothepenaltyrecommendedbytheprincipal.

Thesuperintendentshallsendnoticeofthedecisionviacertifiedmailtothestudentandparent.Thenoticemustinclude:

a.thebasisofthedecision,withreferencetoanypoliciesorrulesthatthestudentviolated;

b.noticeofwhatinformationwillbeincludedinthestudent’sofficialrecordpursuanttoG.S.115C-402;

c.noticeofthestudent’srighttoappealthedecisionandtheproceduresforsuchappeal;

d.ifthedecisionistosuspendthestudentfor365days,noticeofthestudent’srighttopetitiontheboardforreadmissionunderG.S.115C-390.12;

e.ifapplicable,noticethatthesuperintendentordesigneeisrecommendingtotheboardthatthestudentbeexpelledandanyrequirednotificationsrelatedtotheexpulsionifthestudentdidnotalreadyreceivesuchnoticefromtheprincipalordesignee;and

f.ifthestudentistobesuspended,noticeofthesuperintendent’sordesignee’sdecisiononwhethertoofferalternativeeducationservicestothestudentduringtheperiodofsuspension,and,asapplicable,adescriptionoftheservicestobeofferedorthereasonjustifyingthesuperintendent’sordesignee’sdecisiontodenysuchservices.

Followingissuanceofthedecision,thesuperintendentshallimplementthedecisionbyauthorizingthestudent’sreturntoschooluponthecompletionofanyshort-termsuspensionorbyimposingthesuspensionreflectedinthedecision.

Thesuperintendentshallofferalternativeeducationservicestoanystudentwhoreceivesalong-termor365-daysuspensionunlessthesuperintendentprovidesasignificantorimportantreasonfordecliningtooffersuchservices.Alternativeeducationservicesarepart-timeorfull-timeprogramsthatprovidedirectorcomputer-basedinstructiontoallowthestudenttoprogressinoneormorecoreacademiccourses.Suchservicesmayincludeprogramsdescribedinpolicy3470/4305,AlternativeLearningPrograms/Schools.

Thestudentmayappealtotheboardthesuperintendent’sdecisionnottoprovidealternativeeducationservices,aspermittedbyG.S.115C-45(c)(2).Anyappealtotheboardmustbemadein

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writingwithinfivedaysofreceivingthesuperintendent’sdecision.Thesuperintendentshallinformtheboardchairpersonoftherequestforanappealandarrangeinatimelymannerahearingbeforetheboard.Inadvanceofthehearing,thesuperintendentshallprovidetothestudentandparentandtotheboardawrittenexplanationforthedenialofservicesalongwithanydocumentsorotherinformationsupportingthedecision.Thehearingwillbeconductedpursuanttopolicy2500,HearingsBeforetheBoard.Theboardwillprovidetothestudentandparentandtothesuperintendentwrittennoticeofitsdecisionwithin30daysofreceivingtheappeal.

Ifthesuperintendentdeterminesthatexpulsionisappropriate,thesuperintendentshallsubmittotheboardarecommendationandthebasisfortherecommendationalongwithanyproposalforalternativeeducationservices.

4.HearingsBeforetheBoard

a.Long-Termor365-DaySuspensions

Astudentorhisorherparentmayappealanimposedlong-termor365-daysuspension.Thestudentorparentmustappealtotheboardinwritingwithinthreedaysofreceivingthesuperintendent’sdecision.Thesuperintendentshallinformtheboardchairpersonoftherequestforanappealandshallarrangeinatimelymannerahearingbeforetheboard.Thesuspensionneednotbepostponedpendingtheoutcomeoftheappeal.ThehearingwillbeconductedpursuanttoSectionBofpolicy4370,StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures.Theboardwillprovidetothestudentandparentandtothesuperintendentwrittennoticeofitsdecisionnotmorethan30calendardaysafterreceivingtheappeal.

b.Expulsions

Thestudentorparentmayrequestahearingwithinfivedaysofreceivingnoticeofthesuperintendent’srecommendationthatthestudentbeexpelled.Thehearingwillbescheduledwiththeboardwithinfivedaysofthesuperintendent’sreceiptofthehearingrequest.Thesuperintendentshallnotifythestudentandparentofthedate,time,andplaceofthehearing.Anyappealofalong-termor365-daysuspensionwillbeaddressedinthesamehearing.ThehearingwillbeconductedpursuanttoSectionBofpolicy4370.

Ifahearingisnotrequestedbythestudentorparent,thesuperintendentshallsubmitwrittenevidencetosupporthisorherrecommendationtotheboard.Theboardmayelecttorequestahearingortorequestadditionalrecordsanddocuments.

Whentheboarddecidestoexpelastudent,theboardwilldocumentthebasisforitsdeterminationthatthereisclearandconvincingevidencethatthestudent’sbehaviorindicatesthatthestudent’scontinuedpresenceinschoolconstitutesaclearthreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees.Theboardalsowillconsiderandmakeawrittendeterminationofwhetheralternativeeducationservicesaretobeprovidedtotheexpelledstudent.Regardlessofwhethertheschoolsystemprovidesalternativeeducationservices,theboardexpectsschoolsystemadministratorstoworkwithotheragenciestohelpthestudentandparentidentifyothertypesofservicesthatmaybeofassistancetothestudent.Theboardwillsendviacertifiedmailtothestudent’sparentacopyofthedecision,notificationofwhatinformationwillbeincludedinthestudent’sofficialrecord,theprocedureforexpungementofthisinformationunderG.S.115C-402,andnoticeoftherighttopetitionforreadmissionpursuanttoG.S.115C-390.12.

C.EDUCATIONALSERVICESFORSTUDENTSWITHDISABILITIESDURINGLONG-TERMSUSPENSION,365-DAYSUSPENSIONOREXPULSION

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StudentswithdisabilitiesrecognizedbytheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationActwillreceiveeducationalservicesduringperiodsofsuspensionorexpulsiontotheextentrequiredbyPoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilitiesandstateandfederallaw.

D.REDUCINGSUSPENSIONANDEXPULSIONRATES

Thoughtheboardbelievesthatsuspensionorexpulsionmaybeanappropriateandnecessaryconsequenceincertainsituations,theboardalsorecognizesthatexcessiveuseofsuspensionandexpulsionmayhaveanegativeimpactonacademicachievementandgraduationrates.Thus,theboardencouragesschooladministratorstofindwaystoreducesuspensionandexpulsionratesintheschools.

LegalReferences:U.S.Const.amend.XIV,§1;IndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct,20U.S.C.1400etseq.,34C.F.R.pt.300;N.C.Const.art.I,§19;G.S.14-208.18;115Cart.9;115C-45(c)(2),-47(55),-276(r),-288,-390.1,-390.2,-390.7,-390.8,-390.9,-390.10,-390.11,-390.12,-402;130A-440;PoliciesGoverningServicesforChildrenwithDisabilities,StateBoardofEducationPolicyEXCP-000

CrossReferences:HearingsBeforetheBoard(policy2500),AlternativeLearningPrograms/Schools(policy3470/4305),StudentSexOffenders(policy4260),SchoolPlanforManagementofStudentBehavior(policy4302),DrugsandAlcohol(policy4325),Theft,Trespass,andDamagetoProperty(policy4330),Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(policy4331),Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety(policy4333),CriminalBehavior(policy4335),School-LevelInvestigations(policy4340),StudentDisciplineRecords(policy4345),Short-TermSuspension(policy4351),StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures(policy4370)

Adopted:August1972

Revised:August1973;March1974;August1975;July1976;December1981;August1987;July1993;July1994;April1995;August1996;July30,2001;July2003;July2004;August2,2005;June26,2007;August2,2011;February2,2016;May3,2017

AppealsofLong-Termor365-DaySuspensions

(Policy4361)Astudentmaychallengealong-termor365daysuspensionapprovedbythesuperintendentpursuanttopolicy4353,Long-TermSuspension,365DaySuspension,Expulsion.Thestudentmustappealtotheboardinwritingwithinthreedaysofreceivingthesuperintendent’sdecision.Thesuperintendentwillinformtheboardchairpersonoftherequestforanappealandarrangeinatimelymannerahearingbeforetheboard.Thesuspensionneednotbepostponedpendingtheoutcomeoftheappeal.Thehearingwillbeconductedpursuanttoboardpolicy4370,StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures.

Theappealtotheboardwillbefromthesuperintendent’sdecisionandontherecordmadeinanyadministrativehearing.Unlessrequestedbytheboard,noadditionalinformationorevidencemaybepresented.Theboardwillreviewthesuperintendent’sdecisiontobesurethat(1)therewasareasonablebasisfordeterminingthatthestudentengagedinthespecifiedmisbehavior;(2)thataboardpolicy,schoolstandardorrulewasviolated;(3)thattheconsequencefortheviolationwasreasonable;and(4)proceduresrequiredbyboardpolicywerefollowed.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-45,-47,-276,-391

CrossReferences:Long-TermSuspension,365DaySuspension,Expulsion(policy4353),StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures(policy4370) Adopted:June26,2007

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RequestsforReadmissionofExpelledStudents(Policy4362)

Allrequestsforreadmissionofstudentswhohavebeensuspendedfor365daysorexpelledwillbeconsideredinaccordancewiththeproceduressetoutbelow.

A.REQUESTSBYSTUDENTSSUSPENDEDFOR365DAYS

Astudentwhoisservinga365-daysuspensionmaysubmitarequesttothesuperintendentforreadmissionanytimeafterthe180thcalendardayofhisorhersuspension.Uponreceiptoftherequest,thesuperintendentordesigneeshallofferthestudentanopportunityforanin-personmeetingtobeheldwithinfivedays.Thestudentmayprovidedocumentsinsupportoftherequest,suchassignedstatementsfromindividualsknowledgeableaboutthestudentordocumentsverifyingthatthestudentisparticipatinginorhascompletedcounselingorrehabilitationprograms.Ifthestudentdemonstratestothesatisfactionofthesuperintendentordesigneethatthestudent’spresenceinschoolnolongerconstitutesathreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees,thesuperintendentmustreadmitthestudent.

Within30daysofthestudent’srequest,thesuperintendentordesigneeshallprovidewrittennoticeofhisorherdecisiontothestudent,thestudent’sparentsandtheboard.Ifthesuperintendentordesigneedecidestoreadmitthestudent,thenoticewillincludethedateofreadmission,theschoolorprogramtowhichthestudentwillbeassignedandanyreasonablerestrictionsplacedonthereadmission.Ifthesuperintendentordesigneerejectstherequestforreadmission,thenoticewilladvisetheparentsoftherighttoappealthedecisiontotheboard.Anyappealtotheboardmustbemadeinwritingwithinfivedaysofreceiptofthesuperintendent’sordesignee’sdecision.Thesuperintendentordesigneeshallinformtheboardchairpersonoftherequestforanappealandarrangeinatimelymannerahearingbeforetheboard.Thehearingwillbeconductedinaccordancewithpolicy2500,HearingsBeforetheBoard.Theboardwillprovidetothestudent,thestudent’sparentandthesuperintendentordesigneewrittennoticeofitsdecisionwithin30daysofreceivingtheappealofthesuperintendent’sordesignee’sdecision.

Iftherequestforreadmissionisdenied,nosubsequentrequestsfromthatstudentwillbeconsideredduringthat365-daysuspension.

B.REQUESTSBYEXPELLEDSTUDENTS

Astudentwhohasbeenexpelledmaysubmitarequesttotheboardforreadmissionanytimeafter180calendardaysfromthestartdateofthestudent’sexpulsion.Theboardchairpersonimmediatelywillforwardtherequesttothesuperintendent,whoshallarrangeinatimelymannerahearingbeforetheboard.Thehearingwillbeconductedinaccordancewithpolicy2500.Afterconsideringthestudent’srequestandthesuperintendent’sordesignee’srecommendationregardingreadmission,iftheboarddeterminesthatthestudenthassatisfactorilydemonstratedthathisorherpresenceinschoolnolongerconstitutesaclearthreattothesafetyofotherstudentsoremployees,theboardwillreadmitthestudent.Theboardwillnotifythestudent,thestudent’sparentsandthesuperintendentinwritingofitsdecisionwithin30daysofthesubmissionoftherequestforreadmission.

Iftheboarddecidestoreadmitthestudent,thenoticewillincludethedateofreadmission,theschoolorprogramtowhichthestudentwillbeassignedandanyreasonablerestrictionsplacedonthereadmission.Ifthestudentwasexpelledasaresultofassaultingorinjuringateacher,thestudentwillnotbereturnedtothatteacher’sclassroomfollowingreadmissionwithouttheteacher’sconsent.

Iftheexpelledstudent’srequestforreadmissionisdenied,theboardwillnotconsiderasubsequentrequestforreadmissionofthatstudentuntilsixmonthsafterthesubmissionofthepreviousrequest.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-47,-390.1,-390.12

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CrossReferences:HearingsBeforetheBoard(policy2500),Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(policy4353)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:August2,2011

StudentDisciplineHearingProcedures(Policy4370)

A.ADMINISTRATIVEHEARINGS

Therulessetoutbelowwillgovernhearingsheldbythesuperintendentinassessingmisbehaviorandappropriateconsequences.Thepurposeofthehearingwillbetodeterminethefactsrelevanttotheallegedmisbehaviorandthecredibilityofwitnesses,basedontheevidencepresentedatthehearing.

1.Thehearingwillbeinformalandconductedinprivate.

2.Priortothehearing,thestudentandhisorherparentsandrepresentativewillhaveanopportunitytoreviewandobtainanyaudioorvideorecordingsoftheincidentand,consistentwithfederalandstatestudentrecordslawsandregulations,theinformationthatmaybepresentedasevidenceagainstthestudent,includingstatementsmadebywitnesseswhosenamesarewithheldinaccordancewithnumber5,below.

3.Thehearingmustbeattendedbythesuperintendent,theprincipaland/orassistantadministratorsandanypersonsthesuperintendentdeemsnecessary.Thestudenthastherighttobepresentatthehearing,tobeaccompaniedbyhisorherparentsandtoberepresentedbyanattorneyornon-attorneyadvocate.Witnessesshouldbepresentonlywhenprovidinginformation.

4.Theschoolrepresentativeshavetheburdenofprovingthemisbehavior;theviolationofboardpolicy,theCodeofStudentConduct,schoolstandardsorschoolrules;andtheappropriatenessoftherecommendedconsequencefortheviolation.

5.Theschoolrepresentativeswillpresentthewitnessesanddocumentaryevidenceagainstthestudentfirst.Schoolofficialsmaywithholdwitnessnamesorotheridentifyinginformationifidentificationofawitnesscouldthreatenthewitness’ssafety.

6.Aftertheschoolrepresentativeshavepresentedtheirevidence,thestudentorhisorherrepresentativemaypresentevidencerelatingtotheallegeddisciplinaryinfraction,thestudent’sintentatthetimeoftheincident,anymitigatingoraggravatingfactorsinvolved,thedisciplinaryandacademichistoryofthestudentandthepotentialbenefitstothestudentofalternativestosuspension.Suchevidencemayincludeoraltestimonybythestudentorwitnesses,writtenstatementsandotherdocuments.

7.Boththeschoolrepresentativesandthestudentorhisorherparentorrepresentativemayexaminethewitnessespresentedbytheotherside.Thesuperintendenthastheauthoritytolimitquestioningbyanypersonifthequestioningisunproductive,unnecessarilylengthy,repetitiveorirrelevant.

8.Inreachingadeterminationinthematter,thesuperintendentshallconsiderthedocumentsproducedinthehearing,thetestimonyofthewitnessesandotherevidencepresentedatthehearing.Ifthesuperintendentdeterminesthataviolationoccurred,thesuperintendentalsoshalldeterminetheappropriatenessoftherecommendedconsequencesfortheviolation.Formalrulesof

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evidencedonotapply,andthesuperintendentmayrelyonevidencethatareasonablyprudentpersonwouldconsiderintheconductofseriousaffairs.

9.Followingthehearing,thesuperintendentshallrenderawrittendecisionbasedonsubstantialevidencepresentedatthehearingandshallnotifythestudentandparentofthatdecisioninaccordancewiththerequirementsofpolicy4353,Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion.

10.Thesuperintendentordesigneeshallprovideformakingarecordofthehearing,includinganyfindingsorconclusionsmadebythesuperintendent.Thestudentwillhavetherighttomakehisorherownaudiorecordingofthehearing.

B.BOARDHEARINGS

1.AppealofaLong-Termor365-DaySuspension

Theboardwillprovidetheopportunityforahearingthatfollowstheproceduresestablishedforadministrativehearings,exceptthat(1)thesuperintendentordesigneewillrepresenttheschoolsystemandtheboardorapaneloftheboardwillbethedecisionmaker,and(2)unlesstheboardrequestsotherwiseordoingsowouldcreateasubstantialthreatofunfairness,theboardwilllimitpresentationsoftestimonytothestudent,thestudent’sparentandrepresentative,andtheschoolsystem’srepresentativeandwilllimitdocumentationtotherecordsandevidencepresentedattheadministrativehearing.Theboard,atitsdiscretion,mayrequestadditionalinformationorevidence.

Theboardwillreviewanyrecordscreatedbythesuperintendent’sdecisionandtherecordcreatedfromanyadministrativehearingheld.Theboardwillreviewthesuperintendent’sdecisiontobesurethat:(1)therewasareasonablebasisfordeterminingthatthestudentengagedinthespecifiedmisbehavior;(2)aboardpolicy,theCodeofStudentConduct,aschoolstandardoraschoolrulewasviolated;(3)theconsequencefortheviolationwasreasonable;and(4)proceduresestablishedbyboardpolicywerefollowed.

2.BoardDecisiononExpulsion

Theboardwillprovideanopportunityforahearingtoreviewthesuperintendent’srecommendationforexpulsion.Therulesestablishedforadministrativehearingswillbefollowed,exceptthatthesuperintendentordesigneewillrepresenttheschoolsystemandtheboardwillbethedecisionmaker.Theboardmayrequestadditionalrecordsorwitnesses.Adecisionwillbemadeonthesuperintendent’srecommendationfollowingthestandardsforexpulsionestablishedinpolicy4353,Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-45,-47,-276,-288,-390.1,-390.2,-390.7,-390.8

CrossReferences:Long-TermSuspension,365-DaySuspension,Expulsion(policy4353);StudentRecords(policy4700)

Adopted:June26,2007

Revised:August2,2011;June28,2018

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STUDENTPERFORMANCE

StudentPromotionandAccountability(Policy3420)

A.PURPOSE

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)believesthatstudentsshouldprogresstothenextlevelofstudyonlyaftertheyareproficientintheirknowledgeandapplicationofthecurrentcurriculumlevel.Totheextentreasonablypossible,studentsshouldbegivenasmuchtimeoraslittletimeastheyneedtobeproficientataparticularlevelofstudy.Studentswillbepromotedtothenextlevelofstudyasdescribedinthispolicy.

B.STUDENTPROMOTIONSTANDARDS

TheSuperintendentshalldevelop(1)proposedpromotionstandardsand(2)aprocesstobeusedindeterminingastudent’sreadinesstoprogresstothenextlevelofstudyandshallsubmitthestandardsandprocesstotheBoardforapproval.Thestandardswillbebased,inpart,uponproficiencyinreading.Thestandardsandprocessmustprovidemultiplecriteriaforassessingastudent’sreadinesstoprogresstothenextlevelofstudy,suchasstandardizedtestscores,formativeanddiagnosticassessments,grades,aportfoliooranthologyofthestudent’swork,and,whenappropriate,acceptedstandardsforassessingdevelopmentalgrowth.ThestandardsandprocesswillincorporateallstatelawandStateBoardofEducationpolicyrequirements,includingthosefortheassessmentandpromotionofthirdgradestudentsasdescribedinG.S.115C-83.6etseq.andStateBoardofEducationPoliciesKNEC-002and-003.

Principalsshallensurethatthepromotionstandardsareusedbyteachersandschooladministratorsinassessingeachstudent’sreadinesstoprogresstothenextlevelofstudy.PrincipalshavetheauthoritytopromoteorretainstudentsbaseduponthestandardsapprovedbytheBoardandanyapplicablestandardssetbytheStateBoardofEducation.

Toreducethenumberofstudentswhodonotmeetpromotionstandards,theBoarddirectsschooladministratorsandteacherstoaddresstheneedsofstudentswhoarenotmakingadequateacademicprogressasrequiredbypolicy3405,StudentsatRiskofAcademicFailure.

C.DIPLOMASTANDARDS

ToreceiveaNorthCarolinahighschooldiploma,astudentmustcompletetherequirementssetforthinpolicy3460,GraduationRequirements.

D.APPEALSOFPROMOTIONDECISIONS

1.AppealtotheSuperintendent

Withinfiveworkdaysofreceivingtheprincipal’swrittendecisiontopromoteorretainastudent,thestudent’sparentsmayappealthedecisiontotheSuperintendent.TheSuperintendentmayoverturntheprincipal’sdecisiononlyuponafindingthattheprincipal’sdecisionwasarbitraryandcapricious(i.e.,withoutarationalbasis)orwasotherwiseanabuseofdiscretion.

TheSuperintendentmustrenderadecisionwithin10workdaysofreceivingtheappeal.TheSuperintendentmaysupporttheprincipal’sdecision,remanditbacktotheprincipalforconsiderationofadditionalissues,orreversethedecision.

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TheSuperintendent’sfindingsmustbeinwritingandmustbeprovidedtotheparents.

2.AppealtotheBoardofEducation

TheSuperintendent’sdecisiontopromoteorretainastudentmaybeappealedtotheBoardinaccordancewiththeproceduressetforthinsubsectionE.5ofpolicy1740/4010,StudentandParentGrievanceProcedure.

E.READINGCAMPS

TheBoardwillprovidereadingcampopportunitiesasrequiredbylawatnofeeforstudentswhohavenotyetdemonstratedreadingproficiencyonathirdgradelevelattheendofthirdgradeandforfirstandsecondgradestudentswhosedemonstratedreadingcomprehensionisbelowgradelevel.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallencourageparentsofeligiblestudentstoenrolltheirstudentsinareadingcamp.Totheextentresourcespermit,theBoardwillofferfee-basedreadingcampopportunitiestostudentswhohavesuccessfullydemonstratedreadingproficiencyappropriateforathirdgradestudentandtofirstandsecondgradestudentswhohavedemonstratedappropriatedevelopmentalabilitiesinreadingcomprehension.Annually,theBoardwillestablishcriteriaforpriorityenrollmentinitsfee-basedreadingcampsandwillsettheattendancefeeatanamountnottoexceedthestatutorylimit.TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallnotifyinterestedparentsoftheapplicationprocedureforthefee-basedreadingcamps.

F.PROMOTIONSTANDARDSFORSTUDENTSWITHDISABILITIES

Totheextentpossible,studentswithdisabilitiesmustbeheldtothesamepromotionstandardsasallotherstudents.However,forstudentswhotakealternativeassessmentsinlieuoftheend-of-grade(EOG)orend-of-course(EOC)tests,promotiondecisionsmustbebasedoncriteriarecommendedbytheIEPteam.

Allinterventionstrategiesandotheropportunities,benefits,andresourcesthataremadeavailabletostudentswithoutdisabilitiesmustbemadeavailabletothosestudentswithdisabilitieswhoaresubjecttothestudentpromotionstandards.Suchopportunitiesmustbeinadditiontothespecialeducationservicesprovidedtothestudent.

G.CREDITBYDEMONSTRATEDMASTERY

Beginningwiththe2014-15schoolyear,theSuperintendentshallprovideopportunitiesforstudentsingrades9through12toearncoursecreditbydemonstratingmasteryofcoursematerialwithoutfirstcompletingtheregularperiodofclassroominstructioninthecourse.Studentsingrades6through8mayearncreditbydemonstratedmasteryforhighschoolcoursesofferedinmiddleschool.Toearncreditbydemonstratedmastery,studentsmustdemonstrateadeepunderstandingofthecontentstandardsandapplicationofknowledgethroughamulti-phaseassessment,inaccordancewithstandardsestablishedbytheStateBoardofEducationandanyadditionalstandardsestablishedbytheSuperintendent.

H.CREDITRECOVERY

Studentswhofailahighschoolcoursemayretakepartsofthecoursethroughcreditrecoverytoearncreditforthecourse.Creditrecoverydeliversasubsetoftheblueprintoftheoriginalcourseinordertospecificallyaddressdeficienciesinastudent’smasteryofthecourseandtargetspecificcomponentsofacoursenecessaryforcompletion.Apre-assessmentofthestudent’sunderstandingofthecoursematerialwillbeadministeredatthebeginningofthecourseandthecreditrecoverywillbetailoredtomeettheneedsoftheindividualstudent.Thelengthofacreditrecoverycourseisdictatedbytheskillsandknowledgethestudentneedstorecoverandnotafixedlengthofseattime.

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AnyEOCexamassociatedwiththecreditrecoverycoursewillbeadministerednolaterthan30daysuponcompletionofthecreditrecoverycourse.Thecreditrecoverywillbegradedaspassorfailandwillnotimpactthestudent’sgradepointaverage.Theoriginalgradeforthecoursewillremainonthestudent’stranscript.

Thesuperintendentshalldevelopproceduresaddressingtheimplementationofcreditrecoveryopportunitiesacrosstheschoolsystem.

I.REPEATINGACOURSEFORCREDIT

1.RepeatingaPreviouslyFailedCourse

AsprovidedinStateBoardofEducationpolicyCCRE-001,highschoolstudentswhofailacourseforcreditmayrepeatthatcourse.Totakeadvantageofthisoption,thestudentmustrepeattheentirecourse.Beginningwiththe2015-16schoolyear,whenastudentinitiallyfailsahighschoolcourseandsuccessfullyrepeatsthecourseforcredit,thenewcoursegradewillreplacetheoriginalfailinggradeforthecourseonthestudent’stranscriptandincalculationsofthestudent’sGPA,classrank,andhonorrolleligibility.TheSuperintendentmaydevelopproceduresforstudentstoindicatetheirintenttorepeatacourseforcreditunderthisparagraphandmayestablishanyotherrulesasnecessaryandconsistentwithStateBoardpolicy.

2.RepeatingaCourseforwhichCreditwasEarned(GradeReplacement)

TheBoardrecognizesthathighschoolstudentsmayneedtorepeatacourseforwhichtheyhaveearnedcreditinordertoincreasetheirunderstandingofthecoursecontent,toimproveskillmastery,ortomeetpostsecondarygoals.Studentsmayrepeatacourseforwhichtheyhavepreviouslyearnedcredit,subjecttothefollowingpreconditionsandanyotherreasonablerulesestablishedbytheSuperintendent:

a.thestudentmusthaveearnedalettergradeofDinthecourseonthefirstattempt;

b.thestudentmustmakeawrittenrequesttorepeatthecourse;

c.theprincipalordesigneemustapprovetherequest;

d.theremustbespaceavailableafterseatshavebeenassignedtostudentswhoaretakingthecourseforthefirsttimeorrepeatingapreviouslyfailedcourse;

e.thecoursetoberepeatedmustbeaduplicateoftheoriginalclassandmustbetakenduringtheregularschooldayatahighschoolinthisschoolsystem;

f.uponcompletionoftherepeatedcourse,thenewcoursegradewillreplacethestudent’soriginalgradeonthestudent’stranscriptandincalculationsofthestudent’sGPA,classrank,andhonorrolleligibility,regardlessofwhetherthelatergradeishigherorlowerthanthestudent’soriginalmark;

g.credittowardsgraduationforthesamecoursewillbegivenonlyonce;

h.acoursemayberepeatedonlyonetime;and

i.studentsmayrepeatamaximumoffourpreviouslypassedcoursesduringtheirhighschoolcareers.

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TheSuperintendentshallrequirenoticetostudentsandparentsofthesepreconditionsandofanyotherrelevantinformationdeemedadvisablebytheSuperintendent.

J.ACCELERATION

Somestudentsmayneedlesstimetolearnthecurriculum.Teachersareencouragedtochallengethesestudentsbyexpandingthecurriculum,providingopportunitiestoexploresubjectsingreaterdetailorprovidingdifferenttypesofeducationalexperiences.Tochallengeastudentsufficiently,theprincipalmayreassignthestudenttoadifferentclassorlevelofstudyand/ormayidentifyconcurrentenrollmentorothercurriculumexpansionoptions(seepolicy3101,DualEnrollment).

Theprincipal,afterconsultingwiththeprofessionalstaffandthestudent’sparents,maydeterminethatskippingagradelevelisappropriate.

K.REPORTINGREQUIREMENTS

1.Superintendent’sReporttotheBoard

Atleastonanannualbasis,theSuperintendentshallprovidetheBoardwiththefollowinginformationforeachschool:

a.aggregatestudentperformancescoresonstate-mandatedtestsandanyotherstandardizedtestsusedbyaschoolortheschoolsystem;

b.thenumberandpercentageofstudentsretainedand/ornotmeetingthestandardsfortheirgradelevel;

c.thenumberandpercentageofthirdgradestudentsexemptfrommandatorythirdgraderetentionbycategoryofexemptionaslistedinstatelaw;and

d.remedialoradditionaleducationalopportunitiesprovidedbytheschoolsystemandthesuccessoftheseeffortsinhelpingstudentsmeetpromotionstandards.

2.ReporttotheNorthCarolinaStateBoardofEducationandDepartmentofPublicInstruction

PursuanttostatutoryrequirementsandstandardsestablishedbytheDepartmentofPublicInstruction,allrequiredinformationregardingstudentperformancewillbeprovidedannuallytotheStateBoardofEducationandtheDepartmentofPublicInstruction.

3.PublicationontheSchoolSystemWebsite

Informationaboutthereadingperformanceoffirst,second,andthirdgradestudentswillbepostedontheschoolsystemwebsiteinaccordancewithstatelaw.

L.RESOURCES

Consistentwiththeobjectiveofimprovingstudentperformance,theBoardwillprovideschoolswithmaximumflexibilityintheallocationofstatefunds.Schoolpersonnelareexpectedtobudgetfinancialresourcesinamannerthatwillmeetthestandardsestablishedinthispolicy.TheBoardwillconsiderrequeststotransferfundsfromotherfundingallotmentcategoriestointerventionstrategiesaspartoftheschoolimprovementplansubmittedbyschoolofficials.Allfundswillbeusedinafiscallysoundmannerinaccordancewithpolicy8300,FiscalManagementStandards.

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M.NOTIFICATIONTOPARENTS

TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallprovideinformationregardingpromotionstandardstoallstudentsandparents.Inaddition,ifakindergarten,firstgrade,secondgrade,orthirdgradestudent(1)isdemonstratingdifficultywithreadingdevelopmentor(2)isnotreadingatgradelevel,thestudent’steachershallprovidethestudent’sparentstimelywrittennoticeadvisingthatifthestudentisnotdemonstratingreadingproficiencybytheendofthirdgrade,thestudentwillberetained,unlessexemptfrommandatoryretentionforgoodcause.Parentsareencouragedtohelptheirchildrenmeetthepromotionstandardsandwillhaveopportunitiestodiscussthepromotionstandardsandprocedureswithteachersandtheprincipal.Informationprovidedtoparentsshouldbeintheparents’nativelanguagewhenappropriateforeignlanguageresourcesarereadilyavailable.

Theteacherofastudentwhodoesnotmeetpromotionstandardsmustnotifythestudent’sparentsthatthestudenthasfailedtomeetthestandardsforprogressiontothenextlevelofstudyandmustprovidetheparentswithinformationconcerningretesting,intervention,review,andappealopportunities.Whenastudentistoberetained,theprincipalshallprovidethestudent’sparentswrittennoticeoftheretentionand,ifthestudentwillberetainedinaccordancewithG.S.115C-83.7(a)forfailuretodemonstratereadingproficiency,(1)writtennoticeofthereasonthestudentisnoteligibleforagoodcauseexemptionasprovidedinG.S.115C-83.7(b)and(2)adescriptionofproposedreadinginterventionsthatwillbeprovidedtothestudenttoremediateidentifiedareasofreadingdeficiency.TeachersshallprovideparentsofstudentsretainedunderG.S.115C-83.7(a)atleastmonthlywrittenreportsonstudentprogresstowardreadingproficiency.Theevaluationofastudent’sprogresswillbebaseduponthestudent’sclassroomwork,observations,tests,assessments,andotherrelevantinformation.

N.CHILDRENOFMILITARYFAMILIES

AsrequiredbytheInterstateCompactonEducationalOpportunityforMilitaryChildren(G.S.115C-407.5)andpolicy4155,AssignmenttoClasses,schooladministratorshavetheauthoritytoexerciseflexibilityinwaivingcourseorprogramprerequisitesorotherpreconditionsfortheplacementofchildrenofmilitaryfamiliesincoursesorprogramsofferedbytheschoolsystem.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-36,-45(c),-47,-81.5,-83.2,-83.3,-83.6,-83.7,-83.8,-83.9,-83.10,-83.11,-105.21,-174.11,-288(a),-407.5;StateBoardofEducationPoliciesCCRE-001,KNEC-002,KNEC-003

CrossReferences:StudentandParentGrievanceProcedure(policy1740/4010),GoalsandObjectivesoftheEducationalProgram(policy3000),DualEnrollment(policy3101),StudentsatRiskofAcademicFailure(policy3405),SchoolImprovementPlan(policy3430),GraduationRequirements(policy3460),ExtracurricularActivitiesandStudentOrganizations(policy3620),ChildrenofMilitaryFamilies(policy4050),AssignmenttoClasses(policy4155),FiscalManagementStandards(policy8300)

OtherResources:GuidelinesforTestingStudentsIdentifiedasEnglishLearners(N.C.DepartmentofPublicInstruction),availableathttp://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/accountability/policyoperations/lep/testinglep1314.pdf;NorthCarolinaReadtoAchieve:AGuidetoImplementingHouseBill950/S.L.2012-143Section7A(N.C.DepartmentofPublicInstruction),availableathttp://www.dpi.state.nc.us/docs/k-3literacy/resources/guidebook.pdf

Adopted:February6,2007

Revised:December4,2007;June2,2009;December8,2009;May6,2014;January13,2015;February2,2016;June28,2016;April6,2017;October17,2017;January8,2019

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StudentPromotionandAccountability(Reg.3420-R)

A.INTRODUCTIONRutherfordCountySchoolsstrivestoservethebestinterestsoftheindividualstudent.Thisstatementofphilosophyshouldguideprincipalsandteachersineverypromotionorretentiondecision.

B.DECISION-MAKING

1.InaccordancewithG.S.§115C-288(a),principalshavetheauthoritytopromoteandretainstudentsconsistentwiththerequirementsoflaw,policiesoftheStateBoardofEducation,andlocalpoliciesandguidelines.

2.ThedecisionofaprincipalregardingthepromotionorretentionofastudentissubjecttoreviewbytheSuperintendentandtheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(the“Board”)pursuanttoG.S.§115C-45(c).

C.LOCALCRITERIAANDSTANDARDSFORPROMOTIONANDRETENTION

1.GeneralPromotionStandardsforElementaryandMiddleSchoolStudentsSubjecttoapplicableStateandlocalaccountabilitystandards,thefollowingfactorsshallbeconsideredinconjunctionwithpromotionorretentiondecisionsaffectingstudentsattheelementaryandmiddleschoollevels:

a.Promotiondecisionsshallbefullyinformedbycarefulconsiderationofmultipleevidencesofastudent’sreadiness,including,butnotlimitedto,academicmarks;theresultsofformativeandsummativeassessments;evidencesandartifactsofstudentperformancecollectedinportfolios;teacherobservationsandrecommendations;recommendationsoftheschoolcounselorand/orstudentassistanceteam;recommendationsoftheIEPorotherteamassembledforthepurposeofdeterminingeducationalprogrammingforstudentswithdisabilities;and,othercriteriarelevanttotheindividualstudent.

b.Thestudent’schronologicalageandphysical,social,andemotionalmaturityshouldbeconsideredindetermininghisorhergradeplacement.

c.Generally,studentsshouldnotberetainedmorethanoncewithineachofthefollowinggradespans:K-2,3-5,and6-8.

d.Whenastudentisnotdemonstratingappropriateacademicprogresstowardpromotion,hisorherteacher(s)shallmakeaconcertedefforttocommunicatewiththestudent’sparentsorguardiansviatelephone,conference,orotherappropriatemeansassoonasevidenceofinadequateacademicprogressbecomesavailable.

e.Astudentwhoisnotdemonstratingappropriateacademicprogresstowardpromotionwillbeencouraged,andmayberequired,toattendandparticipateinaninterventionorremediationprogram,includingsuchprogramsthatmaybeavailableoutsidetheregularlyscheduledschoolday.

f.Ifadecisionismadetoretainastudentortorequireastudenttoattendaninterventionorremediationprogram,thentheprincipaland/orteachershallnotifythestudent’sparentsorguardiansandextendtothemaconferenceinvitationtodiscussthatdecision.

g.Ifaparentorguardianrequeststhepromotionorretentionofhisorherchild,thentheprincipalshallreviewtheseregulationswiththeparentorguardianandevaluateallavailableevidenceofthestudent’sreadinessforpromotionbeforedecidingtopromoteorretainthestudent.

h.Ifastudentwithdisabilitiesisbeingconsideredforretention,thenthedecisionshallbemadebytheprincipalinconsultationwiththestudent’sIndividualEducationPlan(IEP)Teaminaccordancewithapplicablelocal,state,andfederalpolicies,regulations,andlaws.

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i.Allinterventions,remediationopportunities,andotherbenefitsandresourcesmadeavailabletostudentswithoutdisabilitiesshallbelikewisemadeavailabletostudentswithdisabilities.Allsuchservicesofferedtostudentswithdisabilitiesareintendedtosupplementthespecialeducationandrelatedservicesprovidedtothestudent.

2.SpecificPromotionStandardsforMiddleSchoolStudentsEffectiveforthe2014-15schoolyearandbeyond:Inordertobeeligibleforpromotionfromsixth,seventh,andeighthgrade,middleschoolstudentsmustpassatleastthree(3)ofthefour(4)coreacademicsubjectseachyear,includingEnglish/languagearts,mathematics,science,andsocialstudies.Inmakingadecisionregardingthepromotionorretentionofamiddleschoolstudent,theprincipalshalladditionallyconsiderthestudent’sperformanceinnon-corecoursesandonvalidandreliablesummativeassessmentsofstudentachievement.ConsistentwithapplicableStateBoardpolicy,20%ofamiddleschoolstudent’sfinalgradeinacoursecompletedforhighschoolcreditshallbedeterminedbythestudent’sperformanceonthesummativeassessmentforthatcourse.

3.SpecificPromotionStandardsforHighSchoolStudentsInordertobeeligibleforpromotionfromninth,tenth,andeleventhgrade,highschoolstudentsmustearnsufficientunitsofcredittodemonstratethattheyaremakingappropriateprogresstowardmeetingtheBoard’sgraduationrequirementswithinafour-yearperiod.AppropriateprogresstowardmeetingtheBoard’sgraduationrequirementswithinafour-yearperiodisdelineatedbythefollowinggradeclassificationsystem:

CreditsEarnedTowardGraduation

GradeClassification

0to4

Freshman

5to11

Sophomore

12to19

Junior

20ormore

Senior

Theprincipalshallgivespecialconsiderationtostudentswhotransferduringtheirhighschoolcareersbetweenschoolswithdifferentschedulesandvaryingcreditaccrualopportunities.ConsistentwithapplicableStateBoardpolicy,20%ofahighschoolstudent’sfinalgradeinacoursecompletedforhighschoolcreditshallbedeterminedbythestudent’sperformanceonthesummativeassessmentforthatcourse.

D.STUDENTSOFLIMITEDENGLISHPROFICIENCYNotwithstandinganyapplicableprovisionsoffederalorstatepolicies,regulations,andlaws,studentsoflimitedEnglishproficiency(LEP)shallmeetthesamestandardsofpromotionandaccountabilityasallotherstudents.

E.INTERVENTIONSFORSTUDENTSNOTMEETINGPROMOTIONSTANDARDSRutherfordCountySchoolsstrivestoidentifyasearlyaspossibleeachstudentwhoisunlikelytomeetthestandardsforprogressiontothenextgradelevelofstudysothattheschoolcanappropriatelyprovidetheinterventionandsupportnecessarytoensurethestudent’ssuccess.Interventionmustbeprovidedforanystudentwhodoesnotdemonstrategradelevelproficienciesconsistentwithapplicablestateandlocalpoliciesandrequirements.

1.InterventionPlansBytheendofthesecondschoolmonth,eachschoolshallreviewandupdate,asnecessary,itsplanforintervention.Schoolsmustalsodescribeintheirschoolimprovementplansthetypesofinterventionstrategiesthatwillbeofferedtostudents.Ataminimum,eachschool’sinterventionplanmustaddressthefollowingrequiredelements:

a.Methodsofidentifyingstudentsatriskoffailingtomeetstudentaccountabilitystandards;

b.Interventionstrategiesforstudentsatriskoffailingtomeetstudentaccountabilitystandards;

c.Differentiatedinstructionforstudentswhohavebeenretained;and,

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d.Strategiesformeetingtheindividualizedneedsofidentifiedstudents.

2.InterventionStrategiesInterventioninvolvesidentifyingstrategiesspecificallydesignedtoincreasestudentachievement.Strategiesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,alternativelearningmodels,smallerclasses,flexiblegrouping,tutorialsessions,extendedlearningtime,Saturdayschool,modifiedinstructionalprograms,parentalinvolvement,smallorlargegroupcounselingsessions,summerinstruction,individualizedinstructionorlearninggoals,andremedialinstruction.Extendedinstructionalopportunitiesshouldbedifferentfromandsupplementaltoregularclassroominstruction.Whenfeasible,theschoolshouldseektoinvolveparentsandstudentsindiscussionsaboutappropriateinterventionstrategies.Studentsmayberequiredtoparticipateintheinterventionstrategiesanddemonstrateacceptablegrowthandachievementbeforebeingpromotedtothenextgradelevel.

3.PersonalizedEducationPlans(PEPs)PersonalizedEducationPlans(PEPs)shallbedevelopedbyteachersforallstudentsingradeskindergartenthroughtwelveconsideredtobeperformingbelowgradelevel.PEPsshouldincludeidentificationmethods,interventionstrategies,assessmentstrategies,andmonitoringstrategies.Additionally,anystudentwhodoesnotdemonstrateproficiencyinreadingand/ormathematicsbasedupontheresultsofapplicableNorthCarolinaEnd-of-GradeTestsorNorthCarolinaEnd-of-CourseTestsshallbeprovidedaPEP,regardlessofthatstudent’spromotionorretentionstatus.

LegalReferences:G.S.115C-36,-45(c),-47,-81,-83.2,-83.7,-83.8,-83.9,-83.10,-105.21,-174.11,-288(a),-407.5;StateBoardofEducationPoliciesGCS-J-002,GCS-J-003

CrossReferences:StudentandParentGrievanceProcedure(policy1740/4010),GoalsandObjectivesoftheEducationalProgram(policy3000),DualEnrollment(policy3101),StudentsAt-RiskofAcademicFailure(policy3405),StudentPromotionandAccountability(policy3420),SchoolImprovementPlan(policy3430),GraduationRequirements(policy3460),ExtracurricularActivitiesandStudentOrganizations(policy3620),ChildrenofMilitaryFamilies(policy4050),AssignmenttoClasses(policy4155),FiscalManagementStandards(policy8300)

Adopted:Feb.6,2007

Revised:Dec.4,2007;June2,2009;December8,2009;May6,2014

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TECHNOLOGY

TechnologyResponsibleUse(Policy3225/4312/7320)

TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation("Board")providesitsstudentsandstaffaccesstoavarietyoftechnologicalresources.Theseresourcesprovideopportunitiestoenhancelearningandimprovecommunicationwithintheschoolcommunityandwiththelargerglobalcommunity.Throughtheschoolsystem'stechnologicalresources,userscanobserveeventsastheyoccuraroundtheworld,interactwithothersonavarietyofsubjects,andacquireaccesstocurrentandin-depthinformation.

TheBoardintendsthatstudentsandemployeesbenefitfromtheseresourceswhileremainingwithintheboundsofsafe,legal,andresponsibleuse.Accordingly,theBoardestablishesthispolicytogovernstudentandemployeeuseofschoolsystemtechnologicalresources.Thispolicyappliesregardlessofwhethersuchuseoccursonoroffschoolsystemproperty,anditappliestoallschoolsystemtechnologicalresources,includingbutnotlimitedtocomputernetworksandconnections,theresources,tools,andlearningenvironmentsmadeavailablebyoronthenetworks,andalldevicesthatconnecttothosenetworks.

A.ExpectationsforUseofSchoolTechnologicalResources

Theuseofschoolsystemtechnologicalresources,includingaccesstotheInternet,isaprivilege,notaright.Individualusersoftheschoolsystem'stechnologicalresourcesareresponsiblefortheirbehaviorandcommunicationswhenusingthoseresources.Responsibleuseofschoolsystemtechnologicalresourcesisusethatisethical,respectful,academicallyhonest,andsupportiveofstudentlearning.EachuserhastheresponsibilitytorespectothersintheschoolcommunityandontheInternet.Usersareexpectedtoabidebythegenerallyacceptedrulesofnetworketiquette.Generalstudentandemployeebehaviorstandards,includingthoseprescribedinapplicableBoardpolicies,theCodeofStudentConduct,andotherregulationsandschoolrules,applytouseoftheInternetandotherschooltechnologicalresources.

Inaddition,anyonewhousesschoolsystemcomputersorelectronicdevicesorwhoaccessestheschoolnetworkortheInternetusingschoolsystemresourcesmustcomplywiththeadditionalrulesforresponsibleuselistedinSectionB,below.Theserulesareintendedtoclarifyexpectationsforconductbutshouldnotbeconstruedasall-inclusive.

BeforeusingtheInternet,allstudentsmustbetrainedaboutappropriateonlinebehaviorasprovidedinpolicy3226/4205,InternetSafety.

Allstudentsandemployeesmustbeinformedannuallyoftherequirementsofthispolicyandthemethodsbywhichtheymayobtainacopyofthispolicy.Beforeusingschoolsystemtechnologicalresources,studentsandemployeesmustsignastatementindicatingthattheyunderstandandwillstrictlycomplywiththeserequirementsandacknowledgingawarenessthattheschoolsystemusesmonitoringsystemstomonitoranddetectinappropriateuseoftechnologicalresources.Failuretoadheretotheserequirementswillresultindisciplinaryaction,includingrevocationofuserprivileges.Willfulmisusemayresultindisciplinaryactionand/orcriminalprosecutionunderapplicablestateandfederallaw.

B.RulesforUseofSchoolTechnologicalResources

1.Schoolsystemtechnologicalresourcesareprovidedforschool-relatedpurposesonly.Acceptableusesofsuchtechnologicalresourcesarelimitedtoresponsible,efficient,andlegalactivitiesthatsupportlearningandteaching.Useofschoolsystemtechnologicalresourcesforcommercialgainorprofitisprohibited.Studentpersonaluseofschoolsystemtechnologicalresourcesforamusementorentertainmentduringinstructionaltimeoratothertimeswhensuchusemaybedisruptivetotheeducationalenvironmentisalsoprohibited.Becausesomeincidentalandoccasionalpersonalusebyemployeesisinevitable,theBoardpermitsinfrequentandbriefpersonalusebyemployeessolongasitoccursonpersonaltime,doesnotinterferewithschoolsystembusiness,andisnototherwiseprohibitedbyBoardpolicyorprocedure.

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2.Undernocircumstancemaysoftwarepurchasedbytheschoolsystembecopiedforpersonaluse.

3.Studentsandemployeesmustcomplywithallapplicablelaws,includingthoserelatingtocopyrightsandtrademarks,confidentialinformation,andpublicrecords.Anyusethatviolatesstateorfederallawisstrictlyprohibited.PlagiarismofInternetresourceswillbetreatedinthesamemannerasanyotherincidentsofplagiarism,asstatedintheCodeofStudentConduct.

4.Nouseroftechnologicalresources,includingapersonsendingorreceivingelectroniccommunications,mayengageincreating,intentionallyviewing,accessing,downloading,storing,printing,ortransmittingimages,graphics(includingstillormovingpictures),soundfiles,textfiles,documents,messages,orothermaterialthatisobscene,defamatory,profane,pornographic,harassing,abusive,orconsideredtobeharmfultominors.

5.Theuseofanonymousproxiestocircumventcontentfilteringisprohibited.

6.UsersmaynotinstalloruseanyInternet-basedfilesharingprogramdesignedtofacilitatesharingofcopyrightedmaterial.

7.Usersoftechnologicalresourcesmaynotsendelectroniccommunicationsfraudulently(i.e.,bymisrepresentingtheidentityofthesender).

8.Usersmustrespecttheprivacyofothers.Whenusinge-mail,chatrooms,blogs,orotherformsofelectroniccommunication,studentsmustnotrevealpersonalidentifyinginformationorinformationthatisprivateorconfidential,suchasthehomeaddressortelephonenumber,creditorcheckingaccountinformation,orsocialsecuritynumberofthemselvesorfellowstudents.Forfurtherinformationregardingwhatconstitutespersonalidentifyinginformation,seepolicy4705/7825,ConfidentialityofPersonalIdentifyingInformation.Inaddition,schoolemployeesmustnotdiscloseonschoolsystemwebsitesorwebpagesorelsewhereontheInternetanypersonallyidentifiable,private,orconfidentialinformationconcerningstudents(includingnames,addresses,orpictures)withoutthewrittenpermissionofaparentorguardianoraneligiblestudent,exceptasotherwisepermittedbytheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)orpolicy4700,StudentRecords.Usersalsomaynotforwardorpostpersonalcommunicationswithouttheauthor'spriorconsent.

9.Usersmaynotintentionallyornegligentlydamagecomputers,computersystems,electronicdevices,software,computernetworks,ordataofanyuserconnectedtoschoolsystemtechnologicalresources.Usersmaynotknowinglyornegligentlytransmitcomputervirusesorself-replicatingmessagesordeliberatelytrytodegradeordisruptsystemperformance.Usersmustscananydownloadedfilesforviruses.

10.Usersmaynotcreateorintroducegames,networkcommunicationsprograms,oranyforeignprogramorsoftwareontoanyschoolsystemcomputer,electronicdevice,ornetworkwithouttheexpresspermissionofthetechnologydirectorordesignee.

11.Usersareprohibitedfromengaginginunauthorizedorunlawfulactivities,suchas"hacking"orusingthecomputernetworktogainorattempttogainunauthorizedorunlawfulaccesstoothercomputers,computersystems,oraccounts.

12.Usersareprohibitedfromusinganotherindividual'sIDorpasswordforanytechnologicalresourcewithoutpermissionfromtheindividual.Studentsmustalsohavepermissionfromtheteacherorotherschoolofficial.

13.Usersmaynotread,alter,change,block,execute,ordeletefilesorcommunicationsbelongingtoanotheruserwithouttheowner'sexpresspriorpermission.

14.EmployeesshallnotusepasswordsoruserIDsforanydatasystem(e.g.,thestatestudentinformationandinstructionalimprovementsystemapplications,time-keepingsoftware,etc.)foranunauthorizedorimproperpurpose.

15.Ifauseridentifiesasecurityproblemonatechnologicalresource,heorshemustimmediatelynotifyasystemadministrator.Usersmustnotdemonstratetheproblemtootherusers.Anyuseridentifiedasasecurityriskwillbedeniedaccess.

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16.Teachersshallmakereasonableeffortstosupervisestudents'useoftheInternetduringinstructionaltime.

17.ViewsmaybeexpressedontheInternetorothertechnologicalresourcesasrepresentingtheviewoftheschoolsystemorpartoftheschoolsystemonlywithpriorapprovalbytheSuperintendentordesignee.

C.RestrictedMaterialontheInternet

TheInternetandelectroniccommunicationsofferfluidenvironmentsinwhichstudentsmayaccessorbeexposedtomaterialsandinformationfromdiverseandrapidlychangingsources,includingsomethatmaybeharmfultostudents.TheBoardrecognizesthatitisimpossibletopredictwithcertaintywhatinformationontheInternetstudentsmayaccessorobtain.Neverthelessschoolsystempersonnelshalltakereasonableprecautionstopreventstudentsfromaccessingmaterialandinformationthatisobscene,pornographic,orotherwiseharmfultominors,includingviolence,nudity,orgraphiclanguagethatdoesnotservealegitimatepedagogicalpurpose.TheSuperintendentshallensurethattechnologyprotectionmeasuresareusedasprovidedinpolicy3226/4205,InternetSafety,andaredisabledorminimizedonlywhenpermittedbylawandBoardpolicy.TheBoardisnotresponsibleforthecontentaccessedbyuserswhoconnecttotheInternetviatheirpersonalmobiletelephonetechnology(e.g.,3G,4Gservice).

D.ParentalConsent

TheBoardrecognizesthatparentsofminorsareresponsibleforsettingandconveyingthestandardstheirchildrenshouldfollowwhenusingmediaandinformationsources.Accordingly,beforeastudentmayindependentlyaccesstheInternet,thestudent'sparentmustbemadeawareofthepossibilitythatthestudentcouldobtainaccesstoinappropriatematerialwhileengagedinindependentuseoftheInternet.Theparentandstudentmustconsenttothestudent'sindependentaccesstotheInternetandtomonitoringofthestudent'sInternetactivityande-mailcommunicationbyschoolpersonnel.

Inaddition,inaccordancewiththeBoard'sgoalsandvisionsfortechnology,studentsmayrequireaccountsinthirdpartysystemsforschoolrelatedprojectsdesignedtoassiststudentsinmasteringeffectiveandproperonlinecommunicationsortomeetothereducationalgoals.Parentalpermissionwillbeobtainedwhennecessarytocreateandmanagesuchthirdpartyaccounts.

E.Privacy

Students,employees,visitors,andotherusershavenoexpectationofprivacyinanythingtheycreate,store,send,delete,receive,ordisplaywhenusingtheschoolsystem'snetwork,devices,Internetaccess,emailsystem,orothertechnologicalresourcesownedorissuedbytheschoolsystem,whethertheresourcesareusedatschoolorelsewhere,andeveniftheuseisforpersonalpurposes.Usersshouldnotassumethatfilesorcommunicationscreated,transmitted,ordisplayedusingschoolsystemtechnologicalresourcesorstoredonserversoronthestoragemediumsofindividualdeviceswillbeprivate.Theschoolsystemmay,withoutnotice,(1)monitor,track,and/orlognetworkaccess,communications,anduse;(2)monitorandallocatefileserverspace;and,(3)access,review,copy,store,delete,ordisclosethecontentofalluserfiles,regardlessofmedium,thecontentofelectronicmailboxes,andsystemoutputs,suchasprintouts,foranylawfulpurpose.Suchpurposesmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,maintainingsystemintegrity,security,orfunctionality,ensuringcompliancewithBoardpolicyandapplicablelawsandregulations,protectingtheschoolsystemfromliability,andcomplyingwithpublicrecordsrequests.SchoolsystempersonnelshallmonitoronlineactivitiesofindividualswhoaccesstheInternetviaaschool-owneddevice.

Byusingtheschoolsystem'snetwork,Internetaccess,emailsystem,devices,orothertechnologicalresources,individualsconsenttohavethatusemonitoredbyauthorizedschoolsystempersonnelasdescribedinthispolicy.

F.UseofPersonalTechnologyonSchoolSystemProperty

Eachprincipalmayestablishrulesforhisorherschoolsiteastowhetherandhowpersonaltechnologydevices(including,butnotlimitedtosmartphones,tablets,laptops,etc.)maybeusedoncampus.

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Students'devicesaregovernedalsobypolicy4318,UseofWirelessCommunicationDevices.Theschoolsystemassumesnoresponsibilityforpersonaltechnologydevicesbroughttoschool.

G.PersonalWebsites

TheSuperintendentmayuseanymeansavailabletorequesttheremovalofpersonalwebsitesthatsubstantiallydisrupttheschoolenvironmentorthatutilizeschoolsystemorindividualschoolnames,logos,ortrademarkswithoutpermission.

1.Students

effectonschoolsafetyormaintainingorderanddisciplineintheschools,thestudentmaybedisciplinedinaccordancewithBoardpolicy(seethestudentbehaviorpoliciesinthe4300series).

2.Employees

Employees'personalwebsitesaresubjecttopolicy7335,EmployeeUseofSocialMedia.

3.Volunteers

Volunteersaretomaintainanappropriaterelationshipwithstudentsatalltimes.Volunteersareencouragedtoblockstudentsfromviewingpersonalinformationonvolunteerpersonalwebsitesoronlinenetworkingprofilesinordertopreventthepossibilitythatstudentscouldviewmaterialsthatarenotage-appropriate.Anindividualvolunteer'srelationshipwiththeschoolsystemmaybeterminatedifthevolunteerengagesininappropriateonlineinteractionwithstudents.

LegalReferences:U.S.Const.amend.I;Children'sInternetProtectionAct,47U.S.C.254(h)(5);ElectronicCommunicationsPrivacyAct,18U.S.C.2510-2522;FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct,20U.S.C.1232g;17U.S.C.101etseq.;20U.S.C.7131;G.S.115C-325(e)(applicabletocareerstatusteachers),-325.4(applicabletonon-careerstatusteachers)

CrossReferences:CurriculumandInstructionalGuides(policy3115),TechnologyintheEducationalProgram(policy3220),InternetSafety(policy3226/4205),CopyrightCompliance(policy3230/7330),WebPageDevelopment(policy3227/7322),StudentBehaviorPolicies(allpoliciesinthe4300series),StudentRecords(policy4700),ConfidentialityofPersonalIdentifyingInformation(policy4705/7825),PublicRecords-Retention,Release,andDisposition(policy5070/7350),UseofEquipment,Materials,andSupplies(policy6520),NetworkSecurity(policy6524),StaffResponsibilities(policy7300),EmployeeUseofSocialMedia(policy7335)

Adopted:September4,2001

Revised:October3,2006;June3,2008;February8,2011;June2,2015;November21,2016

WebPageDevelopment(Policy3227/7322)

Consistentwithpolicy3225/4312/7320,TechnologyResponsibleUse,andinanefforttofurthertheschoolsystem’sobjectives,theRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)encouragestheuseoftheInternetasameansofprovidingaccessible,accurate,andtimelyinformationforemployees,students,parents,andothersinthelargercommunity.TheInternetaffordstheschoolsystemtheopportunitytocommunicatewithitscommunitiesbypostingpertinentsystemandschoolinformationonline.Theschoolsystemhasestablisheditssystemwebsiteonlineatwww.rcsnc.org.Theschoolsystemwebsiteistheofficialwebsiteoftheschoolsystem.Inadditiontothiswebsite,individualschoolsanddepartmentsmaycreatesystem-relatedschoolwebsites.Thispolicyprovidesthestandardsthatmustbefollowedfordevelopmentofallsystem-relatedwebsites.FailuretocomplywiththispolicymayresultintheremovalofawebpageorwebsitefromtheInternet.

A.SYSTEM-RELATEDWEBSITE

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A“system-relatedwebsite”isanyInternetwebsitethatisestablishedinoneofthefollowingways:

1.Byschoolsystememployeesorstudentsonbehalfofthesystem;

2.Byanyschoolwithinthesystem;

3.Byanyschool-sponsoredclubororganizationwithinthesystem;or,

4.Bystudentsaspartofaneducationalassignment.

Onlythosewebsitesthatarecreatedpursuanttothispolicyareconsideredsystem-relatedwebsites.TheBoarddoesnotendorseandisnotresponsibleforwebsitescreatedbyemployees,students,orothersoutsideofthestandardsandguidelinesofthispolicy.Studentsoremployeeswhocreatepersonalwebsitesthatresultinasubstantialandmaterialdisruptiontotheschoolenvironmentmaybesubjecttodisciplinaryaction.

B.STANDARDSFORWEBPAGEDEVELOPMENT

1.Non-PublicorClosedForumsforExpression

Allsystem-relatedwebsitesare“non-public”or“closed”forumsforexpression.Thismeansthatthesystemhascontroloverinformationonsuchwebsitesandisnotrequiredtoallowstudents,teachers,orotherstoplacematerialonsystem-relatedwebsites.Thepurposeofsystem-relatedwebsitesistodisseminatecurriculum-relatedinformation;topresentthepublicwithinformationaboutthesystem,itsschools,anditsprograms;and,toprovidethecommunitywitheachschoolordepartment’smission,contactinformation,activities,organizationalformat,andinstructionalprogram.System-relatedwebsitesareanalogoustonewslettersfromtheadministrationortheindividualschool.System-relatedwebsitesarenotanalogoustoastudentnewspaperoranon-schoolpublication.

2.AdministrationandEditorialControl

Allemployeesresponsibleforcreating,developing,maintaining,editing,orapprovingasystem-relatedwebsiteshallactlegally,responsibly,andethicallyinprovidingeducationalresourcesandinformationtosupportthemissionandcurriculumoftheschoolsystem.Suchpersonsshallabidebythegenerallyacceptedrulesofwebsiteetiquette,Boardpolicy,andregulationsestablishedbytheSuperintendent.

a.SuperintendentFinalAuthority

TheSuperintendentordesigneemaydelegateauthoritytoplaceinformationonasystem-relatedwebsite;however,theSuperintendenthasthefinalauthoritytoapproveordisapproveanyinformationinwhateverformonanysuchsystem-relatedwebsites.

b.SchoolSystemOfficialWebsite

TheSuperintendentordesigneehaseditorialcontrolandresponsibilityforthecontentoftheschoolsystemofficialwebsite.TheSuperintendentshallappointastaffmembertoserveasthewebmanager/editorofthesystemwebsite.

c.IndividualSchoolWebsites

Eachschoolwillbeprovidedwithawebaddress,webdesignsoftware,anddiskspaceonthesystemserver.Allsystem-relatedwebsiteswillbehousedonthesystemwebserver.Eachprincipalhaseditorialcontrolandresponsibilityforthecontentofhisorherindividualschool’sofficialwebsite,subjecttoreviewoftheSuperintendentordesignee.Theprincipalmayappointastaffmembertoserveasthewebmanageroftheschool’swebsiteandawebsitecommitteetoadvisethewebmanagerandprincipalregardingthecontentoftheschool’swebsite.Individual

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schoolwebsitesmustcomplywiththeadditionalguidelinesprovidedbelow.

d.TeacherandStudentWebsites

Eachteacherhaseditorialcontroloverandresponsibilityforthecontentofhisorherofficialwebsiteandforthecontentofhisorherstudents’authorizedwebsites,subjecttoreviewbytheprincipal,theSuperintendent,andtheBoard.Withtheknowledgeandwrittenconsentofastudent’sparentorguardian,ateachermayallowastudenttocreateawebsitewithinorlinkedfromaschool’sorteacher’swebsiteonlyforthefollowinginstructionalpurposes:(1)toteachastudenthowtocreateormaintainawebsiteor(2)tofacilitateastudent’sworkonschoolassignmentsorresearchprojects.Nostudentpagesmaybepostedormadeaccessibletothegeneralpublicuntilapprovedbytheprincipalordesignee.

e.PersonalWebsites

Theschoolsystemisnotresponsibleforpersonalwebsitesorwebpagescreatedormaintainedbystudents,employees,parents,groups,ororganizations.Personalwebsitesorwebpagesarenotconsideredsystem-relatedwebsitesorwebpagesandarenotcoveredbytheprovisionsofthispolicy.(Forfurtherinformationregardingpersonalwebsites,seepolicy7335,EmployeeUseofSocialMedia,andsectionFofpolicy3225/4312/7320,TechnologyResponsibleUse.)

TheSuperintendentmayuseanymeansavailabletorequesttheremovalofpersonalwebsitesorwebpagesthatsubstantiallydisrupttheschoolenvironmentorthatutilizeschoolsystemorindividualschoolnames,logos,ortrademarkswithoutpermission.

3.WebsiteAppearanceandEvaluation

Webpagecontentmustbekeptcurrentandbemaintainedregularly.Allsystem-relatedwebsitesmustincludethenameofthewebpageauthor,thedateproducedorrevised,andthee-mailaddressoftheauthor.TheSuperintendentordesignee(fortheofficialsystemwebsite)ortheprincipalordesignee(forindividualschoolwebsites)mustregularlyreview,proof,andevaluateallsystem-relatedwebsites.

4.CopyrightLaws

Noinformationorgraphicsmaybepostedonwebsitesinviolationofanycopyrightlawsorpolicy3230/7330,CopyrightCompliance.Copyrightpermissionmustbeobtainedfortheuseofanycopyrightedmaterialunlessuseispermittedas“fairuse”underfederallaw.TheSuperintendentordesigneeandeachprincipalordesigneeisresponsibleformaintainingcopiesofpermissiongrantedfortheuseofcopyrightedmaterial.

5.Links

a.InternalLinks

Eachpageofasystem-relatedwebsitemustincludeareferenceandhyperlinktotheschoolsystemofficialwebsitehomepage.Inaddition,allsystem-relatedwebsitesmustincludealinktothispolicyandtopolicy3225/4312/7320,TechnologyResponsibleUse.

b.ExternalLinks

TheSuperintendentanddesigneehaveeditorialcontroloverandresponsibilityforthelinkingofasystem-relatedwebsitetoothersitesontheInternetthatareappropriatetothemissionoftheschoolsystem.Linkstoexternalsites(includingexternallyhostedteacherclassroomsites)mustbeapprovedbytheprincipal.Ifrequired,webmanagersmustobtainpermissionfromexternalwebsitesbeforelinksareestablishedfromanysystem-relatedwebsitetoexternalwebsites.Totheextentpossible,schoolpersonnelshalldeterminetheextenttowhichasecondarysiteislinkedtoothersitesontheInternetandwhethersuchsitesareappropriatefor

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accessthroughtheschoolsystemwebsites.Webmanagersshallperiodicallycheckexternallinksforaccuracyandappropriatenessofcontent.Schoolemployeesmustreportanyinappropriatelinkstothewebmanager.

SincetheschoolsystemcannotcontrolthecontentofothersitesontheInternetandtheirlinkages,thefollowingdisclaimerstatementmustbeinsertedinaprominentpositionontheofficialsystemwebsite,oneachschool’swebpageandonothersystem-relatedwebsitesthatcontainlinkstootherwebsitesorwebpagesthatarenotsystem-relatedwebsites:

Theschoolsystemretainscontroloverwhatlinkswillbeplacedonsystem-relatedwebsites;however,thelinkedsitesthemselvesarenotunderthecontroloftheschoolsystem,itsagents,oritsemployees.Theschoolsystemisnotresponsibleforthecontentsofanylinkedsite,anylinkcontainedinalinkedsite,oranychangesorupdatestosuchsites.Theschoolsystemprovideslinksasaconvenience,andtheinclusionofanylinkdoesnotimplyendorsementofthesitebytheschoolsystem.Theschoolsystemreservestherighttoremoveorrestrictanylinks.

c.LinkstoPersonalPages

Schoolwebsitesorwebpagesmaynotcontainlinkstopersonalwebpagesofstudentsoremployeesorlistsofpersonalwebpages.

6.BehaviorStandards

WhenusingtheInternet,employeesandstudentsareresponsibleforunderstandingandcomplyingwithBoardpoliciesandadministrativeregulations,includingpolicy3225/4312/7320,TechnologyResponsibleUse;studentbehaviorpoliciesinthe4300series;and,policy7300,StaffResponsibilities.

7.AccessibilityofWebsite

Thewebmanager/editor,inconsultationwiththetechnologydirector,shallensurethattheschoolsystemwebsitemeetsrequiredstandardstoensureaccessibilityforpersonswithdisabilities.

C.GUIDELINESFORINDIVIDUALSCHOOLWEBSITES

EachschoolmaypromoteitselfbypublishinganofficialschoolwebpageontheInternetonlyviatheofficialschoolsystemwebsite.Inadditiontothestandardsabove,thefollowingstandardsapplytoindividualschoolwebsites.

1.Thecontentofschoolwebpagesmustbeapprovedbytheschoolprincipal.

2.Thesafetyofstudentsandemployeesmustbeconsideredwhenconstructingschoolwebpages.Toprotectthesafetyofstudentsandemployees,thefollowingprecautionsmustbetaken:

a.Homeaddressesortelephonenumberswillnotbelisted;

b.Studente-mailaddresseswillnotbelisted;and,

c.Photographsofstudentsandstudentworkwillbeusedonlywithappropriateparentalpermissionand/orasapprovedforreleaseasdirectoryinformationunderpolicy4700,StudentRecords,andwillincludeonlythestudent’sfirstname,withnootherinformationaboutthestudent.

Theprincipalordesigneeisresponsibleformaintainingrecordsofpermissiongrantedforthereleaseofinformation.Theprincipalshouldimplementothersafetyprecautions,asnecessary,tobefollowedwhenconstructingwebpages.

3.Toprotectastudent’srightsinhisorherintellectualproperty,ifaschoolorteacherpublishesa

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student’swork,adisclaimershouldbeprovidedindicatingthetermsofredistributionorreuse.

4.Schoolsmustprovidecontactinformationandothergeneralinformationabouttheschoolontheschoolwebsite,includingtheschool’sname,phonenumber,faxnumber,gradelevels,andaddress,theprincipal’sname,andthee-mailaddressesoftheschooladministrativeteam.

5.Graphicsusedonschoolwebsitesmustbeappropriatetotheschoolandshouldbeofasizethatwilldownloadquicklyintoawebbrowser.

6.Schoolsmustkeepinformationpresentedontheirschool’swebpagecurrent,accurate,andgrammaticallycorrect.

7.Theprincipalordesigneemustapproveallrevisionsandadditionstotheschoolwebsite.

8.Failuretocomplywiththeseguidelinesorthestandardsofthispolicy,asdeterminedbytheSuperintendentordesignee,mayresultintheremovalofaschool’swebpagefromtheInternet.

LegalReferences:U.S.Const.Amend.I;ElectronicCommunicationsPrivacyAct,18U.S.C.2510-2522;FamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct,20U.S.C.1232g;17U.S.C.101etseq.;G.S.115C-325(e)(applicabletocareerstatusteachers),-325.4(applicabletonon-careerstatusteachers)

CrossReferences:CurriculumandInstructionalGuides(policy3115),TechnologyintheEducationalProgram(policy3220),TechnologyResponsibleUse(policy3225/4312/7320),CopyrightCompliance(policy3230/7330),StudentBehaviorPolicies(4300series),StudentRecords(policy4700),PublicRecords–Retention,Release,andDisposition(policy5070/7350),StaffResponsibilities(policy7300),EmployeeUseofSocialMedia(policy7335),PersonnelFiles(policy7820)

Adopted:December8,1998 Revised:June13,2000;March8,2005;October3,2006;June3,2008;February8,2011;June2,2015

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NCLB/FERPAOpt-OutLetterRutherfordCountySchools

If youwish to restrict thedisclosureof your student'sdirectory information, please checkall boxesbelowthatapplyandreturnthisformtoyourchild'sschool.TheNoChildLeftBehindActof2001requires schools to release a secondary student's name, address, andphone number tomilitary recruiters and institutions of higher education unless the student or his parentrequestsinwritingthatsuchinformationbewithheld.Inaddition,theFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA) givesparents (or students, if 18 years of age or older) the authority toprohibit schools fromdisclosinganyoralldirectoryinformationbyprovidingnotificationinwriting.Pleaseconsiderthisletternoticeofthefollowing:

Asparentofastudentwhoislessthan18yearsofageandinhighschool,Iherebyexercisemyrighttorequestthatyoudonotdisclosethename,address,ortelephonenumberofthefollowingstudentto:

Militaryrecruiters Institutionsofhighereducation

Asastudent18yearsofageorolderandinhighschool,Iherebyexercisemyrighttorequestthatyoudonotdisclosemyname,address,ortelephonenumberto:

Militaryrecruiters Institutionsofhighereducation

Asparentofastudentlessthan18yearsofage,IherebyexercisemyrightunderFERPAtorequestthatyoudonotdiscloseanydirectoryinformationforthefollowingstudentforanypurpose,except:[Listdirectoryinformationorpurposesthatyoudopermit,ifany].____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Asastudent18yearsofageorolder,IherebyexercisemyrightunderFERPAtorequestthatyoudonot disclose any ofmydirectory information for any purpose, except: [List directory information orpurposesthatyoudopermit,ifany].____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

StudentName: _____________________________________________________ Grade: _________ (PleasePrint)NameofSchool: ____________________________________________________ Grade: _________

(PleasePrint)________________________________________________________ ______________________SignatureofParent Date________________________________________________________ ______________________SignatureofStudent(if18yearsofageorolder) Date

Documents

POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK