03. Parents' Bill of Rights Policies

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Submitted by jenny_hunter on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 11:06am

Strategic Priority		Reason for Consideration
Graduates Prepared for Work, Higher Education and Citizenship		Action
Excellent Educators	X	Information
Healthy, Safe and Responsible Students	X	Discussion	X
Operations and Support	X

On September 18, the board accepted as first-read information seven revised policies from the NCSBA Special Custom PLS Update to comply with the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” legislation and add new requirements for schools regarding parental guides and notifications. The new requirements apply with the 2023-2024 school year; however, the General Assembly has extended policy deadlines to the first day of school after January 1, 2024. During the September 18 meeting, board members suggested potential revisions to certain policies (see notes below in green). On October 2, the board heard public comment on the policies. During discussion, the board indicated intent to offer additional changes.

Dr. Lisa Fletcher will give an update on the Parents’ Bill of Rights legislation. The board may discuss the policies and potential revisions. Discussion and first-read acceptance of potential revisions will be scheduled for the November 6 business meeting. Second-read, final approval of the policies will be scheduled for the December 4 business meeting. Dr. Brian Weaver will lead the discussion and answer any questions you may have.

1310/4002, Parental Involvement. Substantially revises the policy to address the new requirements of the Parents’ Bill of Rights (line 81, replace "will" with "shall")

3210, Parental Inspection of and Objection to Instructional Materials. The school system must have a written process for parents to inspect and review all textbooks and supplementary instructional materials that will be used in their child’s classrooms.

3540, Comprehensive Health Education Program. Adds a provision prohibiting instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality in grades K through 4.

4335, Criminal Behavior. Changes the requirement for reporting to parents when their child is suspected to be the victim of a crime. (line 54, replace “should” with “shall”)

4720, Surveys of Students. Changes parental notification and consent requirements based on new state law requirements. Adds a new section about well-being questionnaires and health screening forms. (create administrative regulations for secure written or electronic consent)

6120, Student Health Services. The new G.S. 90-211.10B contains language that prohibits health care practitioners, which includes school employees authorized under state law to perform health care services as part of their job, from providing, soliciting, or arranging medical procedures or treatments for a minor without first obtaining written or documented consent from the parent. This law goes into effect on December 1, 2023.

7300, Staff Responsibilities. Adds an employee responsibility to support parental involvement and never encourage a student to withhold information from their parents. (line 26, add “or electronic” after “written”)

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