Dare County Schools

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
Policy Code: 6120
The school district will provide health services to students as required by law. The school district will administer drugs or medication prescribed by a doctor upon the written request of the parents; give emergency health care when reasonably apparent circumstances indicate that any delay would seriously worsen the physical condition or endanger the life of the pupil; and perform any other first aid or life saving technique in which training has been provided. A registered nurse also will be available to provide assessment, care planning and on-going evaluation of students with special health care service needs in the school setting.

The superintendent may develop procedures or delegate the development of procedures to each school for providing these health services and meeting the following board requirements:

* The principal must determine at the commencement of each school year prior to the beginning of classes, and thereafter as circumstances require, which employees will participate in the health services program. This information must be shared with all personnel who have a need to know.

* Any employee designated to provide health care services must receive appropriate training.
* Health manuals prepared by state departments will be followed in developing appropriate procedures and for determining which tasks must be performed by registered nurses, so long as these references are consistent with the law and are not unnecessarily burdensome.
* Procedures must be consistent with all related board policies, including Communicable Diseases, 4230, and Administering Medicines to Students, 6125.

* Procedures must be consistent with state and federal law for disabled students, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Special Needs will be followed, as applicable, for children with recognized exceptionalities.

* Written information maintained by the school or school personnel regarding a studentís medicinal and health needs is confidential. Parents and students must be accorded all rights provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state confidentiality laws. Any employee who violates the confidentiality of the records may be subject to disciplinary action.

* Parental consent will be obtained as required by law. Parents must be notified of their rights in accordance with policy 1310/4002, Parental Involvement.

* Health professionals should be consulted in the development of health services. Opportunities also should be provided for input from staff, parents and students on the health services provided at the school.

Legal Reference: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1414 et seq.; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794; Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; G.S. 115C-12(12), -36, -307(c); 16 NCAC 6D.0402; N.C. Board of Nursing Administrative Code .0221, .0224.

Cross Reference: Parental Involvement (policy 1310/4002), Communicable Diseases (policy 4230), Student Records (policy 4700), Administering Medicines to Students (policy 6125)

Adopted: November 11, 1997

ADMINISTERING MEDICINES TO STUDENTS
Policy Code: 6125
The board recognizes that students may need to take medication during school hours. The school district will administer drugs or medication prescribed by a doctor upon the written request of the parents. To minimize disruptions to the school day, medicines should be taken at home rather than at school whenever feasible. The school district is not required to administer any medication that could be taken at home.

Each school must establish rules on whether and under what circumstances school personnel will administer non-prescription drugs. The rules also must address whether and under what circumstances students will be allowed to possess and self-administer prescription or non-prescription drugs. These rules and a copy of this policy must be made available to all students and parents each school year. A copy also must be provided to the superintendent or his or her designee. All school plans must conform to the following requirements:

1. The health and welfare of the student must be of paramount concern in all decisions regarding the administration of medicine.

2. Students with special needs will be afforded all rights provided by federal and state law as enumerated in the Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Special Needs. Students with disabilities also will be accorded all rights provided by anti-discrimination laws, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

3. No student can possess, use or transmit any drug or counterfeit drug prohibited by board policy 4325, Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages and Stimulant Drugs.

4. The board generally encourages school personnel to administer medicine from a centralized location. However, in all instances, whether from a centralized location or multiple locations, any medicines maintained by the school district for a student must be kept in a locked and secure place.

5. Any school personnel who will be administering medicines will receive appropriate training.

6. Only drugs clearly prescribed or intended for the student may be administered by school personnel. If school personnel have concerns regarding the appropriateness of a drug or dosage for a student, a confirmation should be obtained from the studentís doctor or another doctor prior to administering the medicine or allowing a student to self-administer a medicine.
7. Although efforts should be made not to disrupt instructional time, a parent has the right to administer medicines to his or her child at any time while the child is on school property.

8. Written information maintained by the school or school personnel regarding a studentís medicinal and health needs is confidential. Parents and students must be accorded all rights provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and state confidentiality laws. Any employee who violates the confidentiality of the records may be subject to disciplinary action.

Legal Reference: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.; Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. 12101; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. 1232g; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794; G.S. 115C-36, -307(c).

Cross Reference: Parental Involvement (policy 1310/4002), Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages and Stimulant Drugs (policy 4325)

Adopted: November 11, 1997

INSURANCE PROGRAM
Policy Code: 6130
A student insurance program is available for all students. All students who participate in football or any other sport in which the superintendent deems insurance to be necessary are required to purchase student accident school insurance.

Prior to August 1 each year the board of education will approve carriers of dental and accident insurance for students.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: April 19, 1994

Student Wellness 6140

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FREE AND REDUCED PRICE FOOD SERVICES
Policy Code: 6225
The school system will participate in the National School Lunch Program to assure that all children in the system receive proper nourishment.

The superintendent or his or her designee will establish rules, regulations and procedures which conform with applicable requirements regarding participation in programs for free and reduced price meals and supplementary food.

Legal Reference: 7 C.F.R. Pts. 210, 215, 220; G.S. 115C-264

Adopted: April 19, 1994

FOOD SERVICES RECORDS
Policy Code: 6240
The superintendent will insure that records are maintained as required by laws and regulations of the State of North Carolina and the federal government.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: April 19, 1994

SANITATION INSPECTIONS
Policy Code: 6250
The superintendent or designee will be responsible for inspecting each school cafeteria to ensure that adequate sanitation standards are maintained. Central office and school-based personnel will cooperate with all officials in the exercise of their responsibility to inspect school cafeterias.

Sanitation and health standards will conform to all applicable laws and regulations. Each cafeteria will prominently display the sanitation rating which it has earned.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: April 19, 1994

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
Policy Code: 6300
The board of education will provide a school transportation service for eligible students based on safety, efficiency, adequacy, and economy. The board will comply with state laws concerning the transportation of public school students which include:

* specifications governing school bus equipment;
* inspection of buses;
* qualifications for school bus drivers;
* driving regulations;
* insurance; and
* student conduct.

The transportation system maintained by the board will meet or exceed minimum standards established by the state.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-239

Adopted: April 19, 1994

SAFETY INSPECTION
Policy Code: 6307
All buses and other vehicles owned and operated by the board will be inspected for safety on a regular basis and in accordance with applicable state vehicle inspection laws.

The superintendent or designee will maintain safety inspection records which will be completed and signed by the individual who conducts the inspection. All defects noted by local or state inspectors will be remedied immediately.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-248

Adopted: April 19, 1994

[#6308]SCHOOL BUS IDLING POLICY
Policy Code: 6308
This policy applies to the operation of every district-owned school bus.

Diesel exhaust from idling school buses can accumulate in and around the bus and pose a health risk to children, drivers and the community at large. Exposure to diesel exhaust can cause lung damage and respiratory problems. Diesel exhaust also exacerbates asthma and existing allergies, and long-term exposure is thought to increase the risk of lung cancer. Idling buses also waste fuel and financial resources.

The purpose of this policy is to eliminate all unnecessary idling by district school buses such that idling time is minimized in all aspects of school bus operation.

The following procedures are to be followed:

1. When school bus drivers arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop off or pick up passengers, they should turn off their buses as soon as possible to eliminate idling time and reduce harmful emissions. The school bus should not be restarted until it is ready to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick up area. Exceptions include conditions that would compromise passenger safety such as:

A. Extreme weather conditions; and

B. Idling in traffic

2. At school bus depots, drivers are to limit the idling time during early morning warm-up to what is recommended by the manufacturer (generally 3-5 minutes) in all but the coldest weather.

3. Buses should not idle while waiting for students during field trips, extracurricular activities or other events where students are transported off school grounds.

4. In cold weather, schools are directed to provide a space inside the school where bus drivers who arrive early can wait.

5. In cold weather, if the warmth of the bus is an issue, idling is to be at a very minimum and occur outside the school zone where possible. The “warmed” bus is to enter the school zone as close to pick-up time as possible to maintain warmth and then shut down.

6. All service delivery vehicles shall turn off the engines while making deliveries to school buildings.

7. Transportation Operations staff are directed to revise bus schedules so that school bus caravanning can be avoided and the newest buses assigned to the longest routes whenever possible.

8. All drivers shall receive a copy of this bulletin at the beginning of every school year.

Legal Reference: G.S. § 115C-242, -245

Adopted: November 8, 2005

SCHOOL-OWNED BUSES
Policy Code: 6312
Purchase of buses will be an item of the capital outlay budget. Title to buses will be in the name of the school district until disposed of according to law.

The superintendent will require each principal to select and assign bus drivers in accordance with qualifications prescribed by the State Board of Education.

The principal of the school to which school-owned buses are assigned will be responsible for ensuring that proper maintenance, necessary repairs, and safety inspections are regularly made.

The use of the activity buses owned by the board will be restricted in the following manner:

1. For activities of an educational nature within the county, use of buses must be requested by the principal of the school involved.

2. For educational activities outside the county, use of buses will be limited to transporting those persons who are engaged in representing their school in the principal activity for which the trip is required. The use of buses must be requested by the principal of the school involved.

Appropriate rules and regulations for the care and maintenance of buses will be outlined. Uniform rules for conduct of students will be disseminated and enforced. The superintendent, or his or her designee, will develop such rules and regulations according to 16 NCAC 6B.0003 and, when adopted by the board, will become a part of this policy by reference.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-239, -241, -248; 16 NCAC 6B.0003

Adopted: April 19, 1994
Regulation Issued: November 1, 2006

SCHOOL-OWNED BUSES 6312-R
The use of vehicles owned by the Dare County Board of Education will be limited to those persons whose normal duties require the use of a vehicle during regular business hours or school-related trips with extended hours. Use of school vehicles is for the purpose of school business and is restricted to such duties. Dare County employees who drive school vehicles shall meet all licensing criteria as prescribed by the state of North Carolina.

Vehicles owned by the Dare County Board of Education may be driven home overnight in two approved cases: (1) individuals whose duties are routinely subject to 24-hour response related to safety, security, transportation, or maintenance, and (2) individuals participating in an educational conference or workshop outside of Dare County who have been approved to use a vehicle for transportation may be allowed to take a vehicle home the night before and/or the night following the event depending on departure and arrival times. Any additional cases requiring 24-hour usage of school vehicles must be approved by the superintendent.

Issued by the Superintendent: November 1, 2006

PUBLIC CARRIERS
Policy Code: 6314
When the transportation of handicapped students cannot be provided by the school system, the board may contract with public and private carriers to provide this service. The superintendent will establish whatever rules and regulations are necessary to implement this policy.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-140

Adopted: April 19, 1994

PRIVATE VEHICLES
Policy Code: 6316
The board of education assumes no liability for the use of private vehicles in transporting students or school personnel.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: April 19, 1994

SCHEDULING AND ROUTING
Policy Code: 6321
School buses will be operated to and from school upon approved school bus routes, and no variation will be made therefrom. The superintendent will require routes to be established and pupils assigned to ride buses which travel the established route.

Pupil eligibility to use the district buses will be based on guidelines established by law and policies of the State Board of Education.

No person other than an assigned student or an authorized employee will ride school buses.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-246

Adopted: April 19, 1994

SPECIAL USES OF SCHOOL BUSES
Policy Code: 6327
The following uses of buses are considered special and are approved by state law and the board of education.

1. In case of illness or injury to a student or employee, the principal may authorize the use of a bus, if available.

2. For pre-school driver orientation and route establishment.

3. For pre-school student registration, class organization, and issuance of textbooks.

4. Evacuation of students when required for their safety and directed by civil defense authorities.

5. When requested by the governor for transporting members of the national guard.

6. For transportation for instructional programs, e.g., technical, vocational, etc., not conducted by the student's normally assigned school.

7. Any other lawful use as approved by the Board on a case by case basis.

The board authorizes the superintendent or designee to approve the use of regular public school buses to transport students for off-campus, regularly-scheduled curricular activities during or after school hours.

These regular school buses may not be used to travel outside the state of North Carolina and are subject to all state regulations that apply to the use of regular school buses. The state will be reimbursed by the local school according to state regulations.

Extra transportation request will be made to the director of transportation two weeks prior to the date of the trip. The extra bus use mileage report will be sent to the transportation department on the same day of the month that bus driver time sheets are due.

The board does allow the use of activity vehicles (buses and vans) for transportation of athletic teams or other authorized student groups for regularly-scheduled curricular or extracurricular activities. Use of these vehicles is recommended whenever the principal deems such use to be feasible, practical, and cost effective in terms of driver availability, the number of students to be transported, and the time and distance involved in making the trip in question. The
transportation mileage report for activity vehicles will be filed with the transportation department on the same day of the month that bus driver timesheets are due.

The board strongly discourages the use of privately-owned vehicles for the purpose of transporting students. When privately-owned vehicles are used, the owner assumes full responsibility and liability. Appropriate transportation will be provided for persons with disabilities.

All drivers used for extra transportation must have an appropriate and valid North Carolina driver's license.

It is the principal's responsibility to secure approved, qualified drivers for all curricular and extracurricular transportation. The use of student drivers for transporting students during the school day will not be permitted.

All drivers used to drive school vehicles must be employed by Dare County Schools and must hold a valid North Carolina Drivers License. Any driver used to operate activity buses with a rating of 16 passengers, including the driver, must have a CDL Class B license with a P endorsement or S restriction and a current School Bus Certificate on file at the Transportation Department.

Student behavior is most important; therefore, teachers must be responsible for maintaining proper conduct and aid drivers on all special trips.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-242, 115C-243, 115C-254

Adopted: April 19, 1994
Revised: October 10, 2000

PUPIL CONDUCT
Policy Code: 6350
The maintenance of quiet and cooperative conduct at all times is essential to the safety of the passengers. Behaving in a quiet cooperative manner is the primary responsibility of each rider. The driver has supervisory responsibility over all bus riders to see that the general standard of conduct on the bus is appropriate for safe and orderly bus operation. A principal may deny a pupil bus transportation because of misconduct or may take other appropriate disciplinary action.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-244(c), -245(b); 16 NCAC 6B.0003

Adopted: April 19, 1994

ACCIDENT REPORTING
Policy Code: 6360
All accidents involving board of education vehicles must be reported immediately to the transportation director, appropriate principal, and to the superintendent or designee. Written reports from the transportation director to the superintendent detailing each accident must be submitted within 48 hours. Any accident involving death or personal injury must be reported immediately by phone to the superintendent or designee.

School administrators must notify parents/guardians in writing of any accident involving students, irregardless of the amount of damage or injury. It is the intent of this policy that parents/guardians be notified as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours following a school vehicle acident.

Authorization for the removal of vehicles involved in an accident can only be given by the superintendent or transportation director. If traffic flow is restricted the law enforcement officer in charge of the investigation can authorize removal.

All accidents will be reported on form TD-25, School Bus Accident Report, provided at all schools and the school bus garage.

An accident has occurred if any part of the vehicle you are driving comes in contact with any object, movable or in a permanent location.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: April 19, 1994
Revised: June 12, 2001

PURCHASING
Policy Code: 6400
The board of education authorizes the superintendent to make and approve purchases which are within the adopted budget of the board.

All school purchases, whenever feasible, should be made from firms whose products are approved and listed with the State Division of Purchase and Contract or where comparable prices and quality prevail.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-522

Adopted: March 8, 1994

PURCHASING AUTHORITY
Policy Code: 6412
The board of education authorizes the superintendent or designee to purchase and supervise the purchasing of all materials, goods, and supplies for the school system in accordance with state law, board policy, and good purchasing practices.

No other school personnel will be authorized to make purchases in the name of the board of education.

Legal References: G.S. 115C-47(23), -522(a)

Adopted: March 8, 1994

PURCHASE ORDERS
Policy Code: 6415
All requests of any kind involving the expenditure of budgeted funds must be initiated by a purchase order, except for salaries. All purchase orders from the schools must have approval of the principals. All needs should be anticipated as far in advance as possible in order that ample time is available to process orders.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: March 8, 1994

PURCHASING GUIDES AND VENDOR LISTS
Policy Code: 6442
Opportunity should be provided to all responsible suppliers to do business with the school district. To this end, the purchasing administrator will develop and maintain lists of potential bidders for the various types of materials, equipment and supplies. Such lists of bidders will be used in the development of a mailing list for distribution of specifications and invitations to bid. Any supplier may be included on the list upon request. The award of a bid or contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder who can provide the product with the quality and performance standards needed and within the time specified in the contract.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: March 8, 1994

NAMED BRAND ALTERNATIVES IN BID SPECIFICATIONS
Policy Code: 6454
The use of brand named equipment, material, or supplies as alternates to the base bid shall be permitted in district construction/renovation and repair projects in accordance with this policy.

All bid specifications developed by district staff, architects, engineers, consultants, and other support professionals shall clearly identify the performance standards that support the specific named brand alternates.

Bid specifications which contain the requirement for one or more named brand alternates shall be reviewed and approved by the Superintendent or his/her designee prior to release of bid documents to the public and at least (10) days prior to the scheduled bid date. Approval shall be granted only where (i) the preferred alternate will provide cost savings, maintain or improve the functioning of any process or system affected by the preferred item or items, or both, and (ii) a justification identifying these criteria is available in writing to the public.

Performance standards and justification for use of brand name alternates shall be made available to the public upon request and shall be identified and discussed in an open meeting prior to the established project bid date to which the alternates apply. Such open meeting may include, but is not necessarily limited to: Board Meetings, Pre-Bid Conferences, and Special Meetings. If changes to the bid package are warranted in light of input at the meeting, an addendum will be provided to all potential bidders in a timely manner.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: May 13, 2003

BIDS AND QUOTATIONS
Policy Code: 6455
In purchasing merchandise, the board prescribes that economy and quality will be the guide. No discrimination is to be made between the various merchandising houses. The receipt of commissions or gratuities for merchandise purchases will be grounds for dismissal from employment.

The formal bid procedure will be followed for:

> construction or repair work when estimated expenditures of $300,000 or more are involved; and/or

> purchase of apparatus, supplies, materials or equipment when estimated expenditures of $90,000 or more are involved.

In all other cases involving the expenditure of $5,000 or more, the informal bid procedure will be used.

Exceptions to this rule may occur as authorized in G.S. 143-129(e), including cases of special emergency involving the health and safety of the people or their property.

The board shall award all construction and repair contracts for which the formal bid procedure is required. The superintendent or designee shall have authority to award and execute other contracts which are within the adopted budget of the board or the approved budget for a construction or repair project. No minimum number of bids is required before awarding a contract resulting from informal bids. A record of all bids submitted shall be maintained and shall be subject to public inspection once the contract is awarded.

All contracts will be awarded to the lowest responsive responsible bidder, considering quality, performance and the time specified in the bids for the performance of the contract.

The board prohibits the division of contracts and purchase orders when it results in evading this policy.

This policy is consistent with existing Board of Education Policy #6400, #6412, and the General Statutes identified below.

Legal Reference: G.S. 143-129, -131

Adopted: March 8, 1994

Revised: July 25, 2003

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES MANAGEMENT
Policy Code: 6515
Equipment and supplies of the board should be used for their intended purpose and in a manner which enhances their longevity. The superintendent will establish whatever rules and regulations are necessary to ensure:

* the best use, maintenance, and security of resources belonging to the board;
* an accurate accounting and inventory of materials, supplies and equipment; and
* an annual inventory of equipment and supplies purchased by the board.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-47(14), -277

Adopted: April 19, 1994

AUTHORIZED USE OF SCHOOL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES
Policy Code: 6520
The board believes that equipment and materials purchased for instructional programs should be used exclusively for instruction and/or to promote education in the schools.

Equipment and material will not be removed from school premises and used in nonschool-related activities or for private gain. Exceptions to this policy may occur only when a request to use such equipment and materials is made by a nonprofit community agency or organization that has provided previous assistance or support to the schools. In the latter case, both the principal at the school concerned and the superintendent or his or her designee must approve the use.

Faculty members may remove equipment and materials from school premises under the condition that such properties are job-related and/or contribute to improving instruction. Rules and regulations regarding the off-premise use of equipment and materials by staff members will be developed and distributed by the superintendent or his or her designee. Employees using school equipment will check out such equipment through the school office or media center.

Anyone using borrowed school equipment or materials is responsible for the items and will pay the school district for replacement costs or the actual cost of repairs or damage incurred during the course of its use.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-307(h), -523

Adopted: April 19, 1994

INVENTORIES
Policy Code: 6535
An inventory of all furniture, equipment, machinery, materials, and supplies contained in each building of the school system will be taken annually and maintained by the building administrator. The results of the inventory will be recorded on forms provided by the superintendent and copies will be kept in fireproof and secure files in the office of the building administrator and the finance officer.

An inventory of consumable materials and supplies will be maintained by each building administrator and reported to the finance officer no later than June 30 of each year.

Legal Reference:

Adopted: March 8, 1994

VANDALISM PROTECTION
Policy Code: 6550
Incidents of illegal entry, theft of school property, vandalism or damage to school property will be reported as soon as discovered to (1) the appropriate law enforcement agency and (2) the superintendent or designee. A written report of the incident must be made within 24 hours of discovery. Written reports will be prepared in duplicate. The original should be sent to the superintendent or designee and the duplicate retained for the school files.

At its discretion, the board will vigorously prosecute acts of vandalism, i.e., willfully defacing, damaging, or destroying property belonging to the board.

Legal References: G.S. 115C-523

Adopted: April 19, 1994

REPAIRS
Policy Code: 6560
Employees will report to the principal of the school or department head any defects in building, furniture, playground apparatus, or other equipment that might prove injurious to the comfort, health, safety or staff, pupils, or other persons.

Principals are responsible for the continual inspection of all buildings, grounds and equipment under their supervision and to discover conditions which might be dangerous to health, safety, and comfort of staff, pupils or other persons. The principal is responsible for initiating appropriate action to ensure proper maintenance. All requisitions for work or repairs (except emergencies) must be initiated by the principal in writing and sent to the superintendent or designee, who in turn will direct completion of the work.

The school building custodian is responsible for making repairs such as replacing light bulbs, repairing shades, etc.

Legal Reference: G.S. 115C-524(b)

Adopted: April 19, 1994