![Page 1: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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
![Page 2: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
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
![Page 3: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Page3of99
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/.
![Page 4: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Page4of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 5: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Page5of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
• 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
![Page 6: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Page6of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 7: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Page7of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 8: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Page8of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 9: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Page9of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 10: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Page10of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 11: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Page11of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 12: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Page12of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
(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
![Page 13: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Page13of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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;
![Page 14: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Page14of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 15: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Page15of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 16: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Page16of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 17: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Page17of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 18: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Page18of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 19: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Page19of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
RequirementsforSchoolAdmission(policy4110),HomelessStudents(policy4125),Short-TermSuspension(policy4351)
Adopted:July8,1997
Revised:July2003;July2005,June26,2007;August4,2015;February2,2016;May3,2017;June5,2018
![Page 20: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Page20of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 21: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Page21of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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:
![Page 22: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Page22of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 23: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Page23of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 24: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Page24of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 25: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Page25of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 26: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Page26of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
PhoneNumber:828.288.2200
2.Section504Coordinator
Name:Ms.LisaBlanton
OfficeAddress:382WestMainStreet,ForestCity,NC28043
PhoneNumber:828.288.2200
3.ADACoordinator
Name:Ms.AmyHopps
OfficeAddress:382WestMainStreet,ForestCity,NC28043
PhoneNumber:828.288.2200
4.AgeDiscriminationCoordinator
Name:Ms.AmyHopps
OfficeAddress:382WestMainStreet,ForestCity,NC28043
PhoneNumber:828.288.2200
5.CoordinatorforOtherNon-discriminationLaws
Name:Ms.AmyHopps
OfficeAddress:382WestMainStreet,ForestCity,NC28043
PhoneNumber:828.288.2200
H.RECORDSANDREPORTING
TheSuperintendentordesigneeshallmaintainconfidentialrecordsofcomplaintsorreportsofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.Therecordsmustidentifythenamesofallindividualsaccusedofsuchoffensesandtheresolutionofsuchcomplaintsorreports.TheSuperintendentalsoshallmaintainrecordsoftrainingconductedandcorrectiveaction(s)orotherstepstakenbytheschoolsystemtoprovideanenvironmentfreeofdiscrimination,harassment,andbullying.
TheSuperintendentshallreporttotheStateBoardofEducationallverifiedcasesofdiscrimination,harassment,orbullying.ThereportmustbemadethroughtheDisciplineDataCollectionReportorthroughothermeansrequiredbytheStateBoard.
I.EVALUATION
TheSuperintendentshallevaluatetheeffectivenessofeffortstocorrectorpreventdiscrimination,harassment,andbullyingandshallsharetheseevaluationsperiodicallywiththeBoard.
![Page 27: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Page27of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 28: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Page28of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 29: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Page29of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 30: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Page30of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 31: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Page31of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 32: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Page32of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 33: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Page33of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 34: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Page34of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 35: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Page35of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 36: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Page36of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 37: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Page37of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 38: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Page38of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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)
![Page 39: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Page39of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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:
![Page 40: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Page40of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
1.whenproperlyusedasanassistivetechnologydeviceincludedinthestudent’sIEP,Section504plan,orbehaviorinterventionplan,orasotherwiseprescribedbyamedicalorrelatedserviceprovider;
2.whenusingseatbeltsorothersafetyrestraintstosecureastudentduringtransportation;
3.asreasonablyneededtoobtainpossessionofweaponsorotherdangerousobjectsonthepersonorwithinthecontrolofastudent;
4.asreasonablyneededforself-defense;
5.asreasonablyneededtoensurethesafetyofanystudent,employee,volunteer,orotherperson.
Exceptassetforthabove,mechanicalrestraint,includingthetying,taping,orstrappingdownofastudent,willnotbeconsideredtobeareasonableuseofforce,anditsuseisprohibited.
C.SECLUSION
Seclusionmeanstheconfinementofastudentaloneinanenclosedspacefromwhichthestudentis(a)physicallypreventedfromleavingbylockinghardwareorothermeansor(b)incapableofleavingduetophysicalorintellectualcapacity.
Seclusionofastudentbyschoolpersonnelmaybeusedinthefollowingcircumstances:
1.asreasonablyneededtorespondtoapersonincontrolofaweaponorotherdangerousobject;
2.asreasonablyneededtomaintainorderorpreventorbreakupafight;
3.asreasonablyneededforself-defense;
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.
![Page 41: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Page41of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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;
![Page 42: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Page42of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 43: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Page43of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 44: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Page44of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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;
![Page 45: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Page45of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
•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.
![Page 46: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
Page46of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 47: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Page47of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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:
![Page 48: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
Page48of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 49: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Page49of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
• 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
willbepermitted.• Noplungingnecklines,backlesstops,tanktops,spaghettistraptops,halter-tops,orvestswithout
shirtswillbepermitted.• Noclothingorjewelrywillbepermittedthatdisplaysorpromotesprofanity,alcohol,tobacco,drugs,
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
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.• Saggingtrousersandbaggyclothingarenotpermitted.• Clothingmaynotdragonthefloor.• Extraneousarticleshangingfromclothing,suchaschainsorotherarticleswillnotbepermitted.
Exceptionstothesestandardsforspecificeventsoractivitiesmaybemadeonlyatthediscretionoftheprincipal.Requestsforculturalormedicalexceptionswillbeconsideredonanindividualbasis.Requestsforexceptionsforsincerelyheldreligiousbeliefswillbehonored.
![Page 50: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
Page50of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 51: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
Page51of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR
InsupportoftheBoard'scommitmentsandstateandfederallaw,studentsareprohibitedfromusingorpossessinganytobaccoproduct(1)inanyschoolbuilding,onanyschoolcampus,andinoronanyotherschoolpropertyownedoroperatedbytheschoolboard,includingschoolvehicles;(2)atanyschool-relatedactivity,includingathleticevents;or(3)atanytimewhenthestudentissubjecttothesupervisionofschoolpersonnel,includingduringschooltrips.
![Page 52: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
Page52of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
Nothinginthispolicyprohibitstheuseorpossessionoftobaccoproductsforaninstructionalorresearchactivityconductedinaschoolbuilding,providedthattheactivityisconductedorsupervisedbyafacultymemberandthattheactivitydoesnotincludesmoking,chewing,orotherwiseingestingtobacco.
B.CONSEQUENCES
ThedisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicyshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthispolicy.
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
![Page 53: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
Page53of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR
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.
![Page 54: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
Page54of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
B.CONSEQUENCES
Asrequiredbypolicy4335,CriminalBehavior,theprincipalmustreporttotheappropriatelawenforcementagencyanystudentwhohasusedorpossessedprohibitedsubstancesinviolationofthispolicy.
ThedisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicyshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthispolicy.
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.
b.SecondOffense--Long-termsuspension
3.ControlledSubstancesorDrugParaphernalia
a.FirstOffense--Parentalcontact,out-of-schoolsuspensionof10daysorlong-termsuspension,StudentServicesManagementTeamintervention,lawenforcementreferral,opportunitytoparticipateinCessationclassesprovidedbyareaHealthagencies,andpossibletemporarydenialofprivileges.
b.SecondOffense--Long-termsuspension
B.ConsequencesforDelivery,Transfer,orSaleofAlcohol,Drugs,CounterfeitDrugs,orDrugParaphernaliaonSchoolPropertyorSponsoredEvents
![Page 55: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
Page55of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
1.Alcohol
FirstOffense–Long-termforremainderofschoolyearandlawenforcementreferral.
2.Inhalants,OtherMoodAlteringDrugs(OvertheCounter),orDrugParaphernalia
FirstOffense–Long-termforremainderofschoolyearandlawenforcementreferral.
3.ControlledSubstancesorControlledSubstanceDrugParaphernalia
FirstOffense–Long-termforremainderofschoolyearandlawenforcementreferral.
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.
A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR
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);
![Page 56: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
Page56of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 57: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/57.jpg)
Page57of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR
1.Theft
Studentsareprohibitedfromstealingorattemptingtostealschoolorprivatepropertyand/orfromknowinglybeinginpossessionofstolenproperty.
2.DamagetoProperty
Studentsareprohibitedfromdamagingorattemptingtodamageschoolorprivateproperty.
3.Trespass
Studentsareprohibitedfromtrespassingonschoolproperty.Astudentwillbeconsideredatrespasserandmaybecriminallyprosecutedinanyofthefollowingcircumstances:
a.thestudentisonthecampusofaschooltowhichheorsheisnotassignedduringtheschooldaywithouttheknowledgeandconsentoftheofficialsofthatschool;
b.thestudentisloiteringatanyschoolafterthecloseoftheschooldaywithoutanyspecificneedorsupervision;or
c.thestudenthasbeensuspendedfromschoolbutisonthepropertyofanyschoolduringthesuspensionperiodwithouttheexpresspermissionoftheprincipal.
B.CONSEQUENCES
ThedisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicyshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthispolicy.
LegalReferences:G.S.14-60,-87,-87.1,-132,-132.2;115C-47,-276(r),-288,-307,-390.2
![Page 58: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/58.jpg)
Page58of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
CrossReferences:StudentBehaviorPolicies(policy4300),IntegrityandCivility(policy4310),CriminalBehavior(policy4335)
Adopted:June26,2007 Revised:August2,2011
Assaults,Threats,andHarassment(Policy4331)
Theboardwillnottolerateassaults,threatsorharassmentfromanystudent.Anystudentengaginginsuchbehaviorwillberemovedfromtheclassroomorschoolenvironmentforaslongasisnecessarytoprovideasafeandorderlyenvironmentforlearning.
A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR
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
ThedisciplinaryconsequencesforviolationsofthispolicyshallbeconsistentwithSectionDofpolicy4300,StudentBehaviorPolicies.ThesuperintendentordesigneeshalllistintheCodeofStudentConductthespecificrangeofconsequencesthatmaybeimposedonastudentforviolationsofthispolicy.
Astudentwhoislong-termsuspendedorreassignedtoalternativeeducationservicesasaresultofassaultingorinjuringateachershallnotreturntothatteacher’sclassroomwithouttheteacher’sconsent.
![Page 59: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/59.jpg)
Page59of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 60: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/60.jpg)
Page60of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
Weapons,BombThreats,TerroristThreats,andClearThreatstoSafety(Policy4333)
TheRutherfordCountyBoardofEducation(“Board”)willnottoleratethepresenceofweaponsordestructivedevices,bomborterroristthreats,oractionsthatconstituteaclearthreattothesafetyofstudentsoremployees.Anystudentwhoviolatesthispolicywillberemovedfromtheclassroomorschoolenvironmentforaslongasisnecessarytoprovideasafeandorderlyenvironmentforlearning.
A.PROHIBITEDBEHAVIOR
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.
![Page 61: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/61.jpg)
Page61of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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;
![Page 62: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/62.jpg)
Page62of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 63: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/63.jpg)
Page63of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 64: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/64.jpg)
Page64of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 65: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/65.jpg)
Page65of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 66: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/66.jpg)
Page66of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 67: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/67.jpg)
Page67of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 68: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/68.jpg)
Page68of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
Revised:November13,2007
StudentDisciplineRecords(Policy4345)
A.RETENTIONOFRECORDSANDREPORTOFDATA
Theprincipalshallretainineachstudent’sfile,eitherinpaperorelectronicform,allrecordsrelatedtoviolationsofboardpolicies,theCodeofStudentConduct,schoolstandards,orschoolrules.
Asrequiredbylaw,thesuperintendentshallmaintainthefollowingdataoneachstudentwhowassuspendedformorethan10days,reassignedfordisciplinaryreasons,expelled,ortowhomcorporalpunishmentwasadministered:race,gender,age,gradelevel,ethnicity,disabilitystatus,typeofincidentoroffense,duration
![Page 69: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/69.jpg)
Page69of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 70: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/70.jpg)
Page70of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 71: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/71.jpg)
Page71of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 72: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/72.jpg)
Page72of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
Revised:November8,2011
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
![Page 73: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/73.jpg)
Page73of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 74: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/74.jpg)
Page74of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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:
![Page 75: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/75.jpg)
Page75of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 76: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/76.jpg)
Page76of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 77: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/77.jpg)
Page77of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 78: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/78.jpg)
Page78of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 79: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/79.jpg)
Page79of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 80: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/80.jpg)
Page80of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 81: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/81.jpg)
Page81of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 82: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/82.jpg)
Page82of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 83: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/83.jpg)
Page83of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 84: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/84.jpg)
Page84of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 85: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/85.jpg)
Page85of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 86: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/86.jpg)
Page86of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 87: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/87.jpg)
Page87of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 88: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/88.jpg)
Page88of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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,
![Page 89: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/89.jpg)
Page89of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 90: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/90.jpg)
Page90of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 91: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/91.jpg)
Page91of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 92: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/92.jpg)
Page92of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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.
![Page 93: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/93.jpg)
Page93of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 94: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/94.jpg)
Page94of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 95: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/95.jpg)
Page95of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 96: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/96.jpg)
Page96of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 97: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/97.jpg)
Page97of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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
![Page 98: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/98.jpg)
Page98of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
![Page 99: POLICY HANDBOOK - edl · 382 West Main Street Forest City, NC 28043 Phone: 828.288.2200 Fax: 828.288.2490 2019-2020 SCHOOL POLICY HANDBOOK](https://reader034.vdocuments.us/reader034/viewer/2022042217/5ec0ca72d90d851dde2a00e9/html5/thumbnails/99.jpg)
Page99of99
Incompliancewithfederallaw,RutherfordCountySchoolsdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,sex,religion,color,nationalorethnicorigin,age,disability,ormilitaryserviceinitspolicies,programs,activities,admissions,oremployment.
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