TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION (100)
Gender-Neutral Language………………………………………………………….. 101
Overall Control and Supervision…………………………………………………... 105
Nondiscrimination………………………………………………………………….. 110
BOARD ORGANIZATION (200)
Code of Ethics for School Board Members…………………………………………… 200
Board of Public Education Meetings and Procedures……………………………… 205
SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS (300)
Trespassing/Unauthorized use of School Property………………………………… 305
News Releases……………………………………………………………………... 310
School Visitors……………………………………………………………………... 315
Public Use of School Records……………………………………………………… 320
Public Complaints………………………………………………………………….. 325
Parent/Booster and/or Support Organizations……………………………………... 330
Title I Parent Involvement………………………………………………………… 335
STUDENTS (400)
Attendance…………………………………………………………………………. 405
Entrance Age……………………………………………………………………….. 406
Early Admission to Kindergarten………………………………………………….. 407
Immunization..…………………………………………………………………….. 408
Admission, Assignment, Reassignment and Transfer of Students………………… 410
Pupil Assignment from Non-Public Schools or Charter Schools………………….. 411
Foreign Exchange Students………………………………………………………… 415
Communicable Diseases or Related Conditions…………………………………… 420
Administering Medication…………………………………………………………. 422
Emergency Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices…………………………………… 423
Student Wellness…………………………………………………………………… 424
Student Fees………………………………………………………………………... 425
Student Publications/Performances………………………………………………... 430
Student Organizations……………………………………………………………… 435
Student Records……………………………………………………………………. 440
Selling Items in Schools…………………………………………………………… 445
Discipline…………………………………………………………………………... 450
Student Restraint/Seclusion/Isolation………………………………………………. 451
Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying……………………. 452
Use of Tobacco Products…………………………………………………………... 455
Use of Cell Phones/Electronic Devices…………………………………………….. 456
Student Suspensions and Expulsions………………………………………………. 465
Illicit Drug and Alcohol Use, Possession of Other Drugs…………………………. 470
Bomb Threats………………………………………………………………………. 478
Student Dress and Appearance…………………………………………………….. 480
Student Grievances………………………………………………………………… 482
Child Abuse and Neglect…………………………………………………………... 485
Student Insurance Program………………………………………………………… 488
Table of Contents
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BUSINESS OPERATIONS (500)
Financial Planning & Budget Process……………………………………………… 501
Revenues, Handling Money and Internal Accounts……………………………….. 502
Cash Management…………………………………………………………………. 503
Payment of Board Members……………………………………………………….. 504
Selection and Retention of Auditor………………………………………………… 505
Fixed Asset Inventory/Capital Outlay……………………………………………. 510
Federal Funds………………………………………………………………………. 515
Contributions/Purchases by Outside Agencies (Gifts)…………………………….. 520
Control of Data Processing Materials……………………………………………… 525
Payroll……………………………………………………………………………… 530
Overtime or Compensatory Time………………………………………………….. 532
Limitation of Voluntary Payroll Deductions………………………………………. 535
Staff Insurance Program…………………………………………………………… 537
Reimbursement for Business Travel……………………………………………….. 540
Purchasing………………………………………………………………………….. 545
Damage Claims, Theft and Vandalism…………………………………………….. 550
Disposal, Rental or Lease of Property……………………………………………... 555
Use of Board Furnished Vehicles………………………………………………….. 560
Property & Fleet Insurance………………………………………………………… 564
Errors and Omissions Insurance…………………………………………………… 565
Fidelity Bond………………………………………………………………………. 566
Workers Compensation……………………………………………………………. 567
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION (600)
Graduation Requirements………………………………………………………….. 605
Promotion and Retention………………………………………………………….. 606
Student Assessment……………………………………………………………….. 610
Patriotic Exercises…………………………………………………………………. 615
Special Programs…………………………………………………………………... 620
Curriculum Development & Media Materials Appeal…………………………….. 625
Teaching Sensitive Issues………………………………………………………….. 626
Comprehensive Health Education Program……………………………………….. 627
Acceptable Use for Internet and Computer Resources……………………………. 630
Extra-Curricular Activities…………………………………………………………. 635
Research……………………………………………………………………………. 640
Sale of Items Produced in the Course of Instruction………………………………. 645
Table of Contents
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PERSONNEL (Disclaimer) (700)
Hiring………………………………………………………………………………. 701
Assignment of Personnel……………………………………………………….….. 702
Contracts for Certified Personnel…………………………………………………... 703
Support Staff Contracts and Compensation Plans…………………………….…… 704
Non Renewal of Non-Tenured Teachers…………………………………………... 705
Voluntary Transfer or Assignment Change………………………………………... 706
Involuntary Transfer or Assignment Change………………………………………. 707
Establishing Administrative Personnel Positions………………………………….. 708
Qualifications and Duties…………………………………………………………... 709
Secondary Employment……………………………………………………………. 710
Legal Counsel for Employees……………………………………………………… 715
Reduction in Force…………………………………………………………………. 720
Staff Complaints and Grievances………………………………………………….. 725
Annual Vacation Leave…………………………………………………………….. 730
Extended Leave of Absence………………………………………………………... 731
Child Involvement Leave…………………………………………………………... 732
Voluntary Shared Leave…………………………………………………………… 733
Drug-Free Workplace……………………………………………………………… 735
Use of Tobacco Products…………………………………………………………... 736
Alcohol & Drug Testing…………………………………………………………… 740
Sexual Harassment………………………………………………………………… 745
Staff Conflict of Interest…………………………………………………………… 750
Political Education, Activities, and Materials…………………………………….. 751
Bloodborne Pathogens……………………………………………………………... 755
Gifts……………………………………………………………………………….. 760
Personnel Records…………………………………………………………………. 765
Confidential Information…………………………………………………………... 766
Evaluation of Licensed Employees………………………………………………… 770
Evaluation of Administrative Personnel…………………………………………… 771
Action Plans for Certified Employees……………………………………………... 772
Resignation………………………………………………………………………… 775
Absences Due to Inclement Weather………………………………………….…… 780
Time Schedules…………………………………………………………………….. 785
Arrangements for Substitutes………………………………………………….…… 790
School Volunteers………………………………………………………………….. 792
Staff-Student Relations…………………………………………………………….. 795
Appropriate Dress for Staff………………………………………………………… 796
Participation in Community Activities…………………………………………….. 798
Professional Publishing…………………………………………………………….. 799
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FACILITIES (800)
Facility Design……………………………………………………………………... 800
Bids and Quotations……………………………………………………………….. 805
Approval of Change Orders by Superintendent………………………….………… 806
Naming New Facilities…………………………………………………………….. 810
Buildings & Grounds Management/Repairs……………………………………….. 815
Use of School Facilities……………….…………………………………………… 820
Use of Civic Center………………………………………………………………… 825
Hazard Materials Information……………………………………………………… 830
AUXILIARY (900)
Use of Private Vehicles to Transport……………………………………………… 905
School Bus Transportation………………………………………………………… 910
Reducing Idling of System-Operated Vehicles……………………………………. 911
Use of School Buses to Transport Students to Other Events……………………… 915
Activity Buses……………………………………………………………………… 920
Bus Accidents/Driver Violations………………………………………………….. 925
Child Nutrition Program…………………………………………………………… 950
Offer Versus Serve Provisions of the National Lunch Program…………………… 955
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION (100)
Gender-Neutral Language……………………………………………………..101
Overall Control and Supervision………………………………………………105
Nondiscrimination…………………………………………………………… 110
GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE 101
Approved 06/21/04
The Caswell County Board of Public Education, in the interest of creating a more readable product, has elected to utilize the terms “he” or “his” in a gender-neutral manner throughout this policy manual. No discriminatory intent exists.
OVERALL CONTROL AND SUPERVISION 105
Approved 06/21/04
The Caswell County Board of Public Education shall have general control and supervision of all matters pertaining to the public schools within the administrative unit and the Board shall enforce North Carolina school law and Federal law, state regulations, and Caswell County Board of Public Education policy. All decision-making authority not specifically reserved for the Board of Public Education or specifically delegated by theses policies or by state law or regulation is delegated to the chief administrative officer, the Superintendent of Schools, for administrative decision-making.
This collection of policies explains the official position of the Caswell County Board of Public Education and is public information. These policies apply to all individuals, groups, and organizations under the jurisdiction of the Caswell County Board of Public Education. These adopted policies supersede and make null and void any previously adopted policies. They are not meant to be all-inclusive, and they will be periodically reevaluated and altered where and when necessary. New policies will be added when needed.
Any policy addition or revision will be entered on a separate sheet to replace the old policy and will bear the date of adoption. When a new or revised policy supersedes another, the old policy shall be deleted from the manual. An updated Table of Contents will accompany any deleted or added policies. An updated policy manual shall be kept in each media center and each principal’s office in the school system. Each Board of Public Education member, as well as those assigned a policy manual by the Superintendent, shall also keep the policy manual updated as needed. The administration is authorized to implement the policies of the Caswell County Board of Public Education with specific procedures or regulations.
The application of policies adopted by the Board is the responsibility of the Superintendent or designee. All directions for action shall be given to the Superintendent by the Board acting in official meetings. No member of the Board shall individually give orders or directives to the Superintendent or any other school personnel, except as expressly authorized by the Board in official action. Requests for information and materials and suggestions by individual Board members should be channeled through the Superintendent or designee.
NONDISCRIMINATION 110
Approved 06/21/04
The Caswell County Board of Public Education is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, religion, disability, and national origin. This policy shall prevail in all of its policies concerning staff, students, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business.
The staff shall establish and maintain an atmosphere in which students can develop attitudes and skills for effective, cooperative living, including:
· Respect for the individual regardless of economic status, intellectual ability, race, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.
· Respect for cultural differences.
· Respect for economic, political, and social rights of others.
· Respect for the rights of others to seek and maintain their own identities.
The Board and staff shall promote good human relations by removing any vestige of prejudice and discrimination in employment, assignment, and promotion of personnel; in lawful location and use of facilities; and in educational offerings and instructional materials.
The Superintendent or his designee shall investigate human relations complaints and protect the rights of all students and staff of the Caswell County Public Schools.
The policy is enacted in compliance with federal law, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The administration is authorized to establish regulations and procedures in accordance with this legislation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOARD ORGANIZATION
Code of Ethics for School Board Members……………………………………200
Board of Public Education Meetings and Procedures……………..…………...205
CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Policy # 200
Adopted 10/26/09/Revised 05/25/15
The board recognizes that, collectively and individually, all members of the board must adhere to a code of ethics as required by G.S. 160A-83 and G.S. 115C-47(57).
A. Board Member Ethical Requirements
The following considerations will guide each board member in the performance of his or her official duties:
1. the need to obey all applicable state and federal laws regarding official actions taken as a board member;
2. the need to uphold the integrity and independence of the board member’s office;
3. the need to avoid impropriety in the exercise of the board’s and board member’s official duties;
4. the need to perform faithfully the duties of the office; and
5. the need to conduct the affairs of the board in an open and public manner, complying with all applicable laws governing open meetings and public records.
B. Additional Board Member Commitments
Each member of the board commits to the following:
1. attend all regularly scheduled board meetings insofar as possible and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings;
2. endeavor to make policy decisions only after full discussion at publicly held board meetings;
3. render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special interest groups;
4. encourage the free expression of opinion by all board members and seek systematic communications between the board and students, staff and all elements of the community;
5. work with other board members to establish effective board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent;
6. communicate to other board members and the superintendent expressions of public reaction to board policies and school programs;
7. learn about current educational issues by individual study and through participation in programs providing needed information, such as those sponsored by the state and national school boards associations;
8. comply with North Carolina General Statute 115C-50 by earning annually the required 12 hours of training;
CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Policy # 200
Adopted 10/26/09/Revised 05/25/15
9. comply with G.S. 160A-84 by earning two hours of ethics education within 12 months of election or appointment to the board;
10. support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school employees and insist upon a regular and impartial evaluation of all employees;
11. avoid being placed in a position of conflict of interest and refrain from using the board member’s position on the board for personal or partisan gain;
12. take no private action that will compromise the board of administration and respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law; and
13. remember always that a board member’s first and greatest concern must be the educational welfare of the students attending the public schools.
14. respect the confidentiality of information that is privileged under applicable law and refrain from unauthorized disclosure of matters discussed in closed session;
15. refrain from investigating or attempting to resolve complaints received personally, but instead direct complainant to follow the board’s complaint or grievance process to resolve concerns.
All newly elected board members are expected to sign a code of ethics statement that includes these provisions at the organizational meeting of the board.
Signature of Board Member
Date
The board recognizes that, collectively and individually, all members of the board must adhere to a code of ethics as required by G.S. 160A-83 and G.S. 115C-47(57).
A. Board Member Ethical Requirements
The following considerations will guide each board member in the performance of his or her official duties:
1. the need to obey all applicable state and federal laws regarding official actions taken as a board member;
2. the need to uphold the integrity and independence of the board member’s office;
3. the need to avoid impropriety in the exercise of the board’s and board member’s official duties;
4. the need to perform faithfully the duties of the office; and
5. the need to conduct the affairs of the board in an open and public manner, complying with all applicable laws governing open meetings and public records.
B. Additional Board Member Commitments
Each member of the board commits to the following:
1. attend all regularly scheduled board meetings insofar as possible and become informed concerning the issues to be considered at those meetings;
2. endeavor to make policy decisions only after full discussion at publicly held board meetings;
3. render all decisions based on the available facts and independent judgment and refuse to surrender that judgment to individuals or special interest groups;
4. encourage the free expression of opinion by all board members and seek systematic communications between the board and students, staff and all elements of the community;
5. work with other board members to establish effective board policies and to delegate authority for the administration of the schools to the superintendent;
6. communicate to other board members and the superintendent expressions of public reaction to board policies and school programs;
7. learn about current educational issues by individual study and through participation in programs providing needed information, such as those sponsored by the state and national school boards associations;
1.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS Policy # 200
Adopted 10/26/09
8. comply with North Carolina General Statute 115C-50 by earning annually the required 12 hours of training;
9. comply with G.S. 160A-84 by earning two hours of ethics education within 12 months of election or appointment to the board;
10. support the employment of those persons best qualified to serve as school employees and insist upon a regular and impartial evaluation of all employees;