STUDENT BEHAVIOR POLICIES Policy Code: 4300

All decisions related to student behavior are guided by the board’s educational objective to teach
responsibility and respect for cultural and ideological differences and by the board’s commitment
to creating safe, orderly, and inviting schools. Student behavior policies are provided in order to
establish (1) expected standards of student behavior; (2) a system that ensures the equitable
treatment of all students; (2) principles to be followed in managing student behavior; (3)
consequences for prohibited behavior; and (4) required procedures for addressing misbehavior.
Teachers, school-based administrators, parents, and law enforcement will be consulted when
existing student behavior policies are revised or new such policies are created.

A. PRINCIPLES

The reasons for managing student behavior are to (1) create an orderly environment in
which students can learn; (2) teach expected standards of behavior; (3) help students learn
to accept the consequences of their behavior; and (4) provide students with the opportunity
to develop self-control. The following principles apply in managing student behavior.

1. Student behavior management strategies will complement other efforts to create a

safe, orderly, and inviting environment.

2. Positive behavioral interventions will be employed as appropriate to improve

student behavior.

3. Responsibility, integrity, civility, and other standards of behavior will be integrated

into the curriculum.

4. Disruptive behavior in the classroom will not be tolerated.

5. Consequences for unacceptable behavior will be designed to help a student learn to

comply with rules, to be respectful, to accept responsibility for his or her behavior,
and to develop self-control.

6. Strategies and consequences will be age and developmentally appropriate.

B. COMMUNICATION OF POLICIES

Board policies related to student behavior are codified mainly in the 4300 series. The
superintendent shall incorporate information from such policies into a Code of Student
Conduct that notifies students of the behavior expected of them, conduct that may subject
them to discipline, and the range of disciplinary measures that may be used by school
officials. At the discretion of the superintendent, the Code of Student Conduct may include
additional rules needed to implement the board’s student behavior policies. To elaborate
further on processes for addressing student misbehavior and the use of intervention

NEW HANOVER COUNTY

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY MANUAL Page 1 of 5
Policy Code: 7205 Standards of Professional Conduct
The professional educator acknowledges the worth and dignity of every person, demonstrates the
pursuit of truth and devotion to excellence, acquires knowledge, and nurtures democratic citizenship.
The professional educator exemplifies a commitment to the teaching and learning processes with
accountability to the students, maintains professional growth, exercises professional judgment, and
personifies integrity. The educator strives to maintain the respect and confidence of colleagues,
students, parents, and legal guardians, and to serve as an appropriate role model.
I. Introduction
A. The Board believes all employees should adhere to certain basic standards of professional
conduct. The purpose of this policy and the rules contained herein is to define, establish and
uphold generally accepted standards of professional conduct for teachers and all other
employees, both licensed and classified. These rules shall be binding on all teachers, school
administrators and all other employees.
B. Teachers, school administrators and all other employees shall adhere to the standards of
professional conduct contained within this Policy. Failure to follow the standards in this Policy
shall subject the teacher or other employee to investigation and possible disciplinary action by
the Board and/or State Board of Education. The willful breach of the standards in this Policy
shall subject a teacher or licensed employee to license suspension or revocation.
II. Standards of Professional Conduct
A. Employees shall practice the professional standards of federal, state and local governing
bodies, if any, appropriate to their position of employment .
B. Employees shall serve as positive role models at all times for students, parents, and the
community. Because employees are entrusted with the care and education of small children and
adolescents, all employees shall demonstrate a high standard of personal character and
conduct at all times.
C. Employees shall acknowledge the diverse views of students, parents and legal guardians,
and colleagues and shall not promote personal political or religious views.
D. Employees shall not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or
misrepresentation in the performance of professional duties including, but not limited to, the
following:
1. statement of professional qualifications;
2. application or recommendation for professional employment, promotion, or licensure;
3. application or recommendation for college or university admission, scholarship, grant,
academic award, or similar benefit;
4. representation of completion of college or staff development credit;
5. evaluation or grading of students or personnel;
6. submission of financial or program compliance reports submitted to state, federal, or
other governmental agencies;

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 7. submission of information in the course of an official inquiry by the Board or State Board
of Education related to facts of unprofessional conduct; however, an employee shall be
given adequate notice of the allegations and may be represented by legal counsel if the
employee so chooses; and
8. submission of information in the course of an investigation by a law enforcement
agency, child protective services, or any other agency with the right to investigate,
regarding school related criminal activity; however, an employee shall be entitled to
decline to give evidence to law enforcement if such evidence may tend to incriminate the
teacher or other employee as that term is defined by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution.
E. Employees shall not solicit current students or parents of students to purchase equipment,
supplies, or services from the teacher or other employee in a private remunerative capacity.
1. A teacher or teacher assistant shall not tutor for remuneration students currently
assigned to the class(es) of that teacher or teacher assistant; however, a teacher or
teacher assistant may tutor students not assigned to that teacher’s or teacher assistant’s
classes.
2. A teacher or other employee shall not accept any compensation, benefit, or thing of
value other than his/her regular compensation for the performance of any service he/she is
required to render in the course and scope of employment.
3. This provision shall not restrict performance of any overtime or supplemental services
at the request of the Board or desire of the employee; nor shall it apply to or restrict the
acceptance of gifts or tokens of minimal value offered and accepted openly from students,
parents, or other persons in recognition or appreciation of service.
F. Employees, volunteers and independent contractors shall treat all co-workers, supervisors,
students, and parents with respect. Such persons shall not commit any abuse act or sexual
exploitation with, to, or in the presence of a student, whether or not that student is or has been
under the care or supervision of that teacher or employee, as defined below:
1. any use of language that is considered profane, vulgar, or demeaning;
2. any sexual act;
3. any solicitation of a sexual act, whether written, verbal, or physical, including over the
internet;
4. any act of child abuse, as defined by law;
5. any act of sexual harassment or harassment based on an employee’s or student’s
gender, race, color, national/ethnic origin, handicap, age, or disability, as defined by law;
and
6. any intentional solicitation, encouragement, or consummation of romantic or physical
relationship with a student, or any sexual contact with a student. The term “romantic
relationship” shall include dating any student.
G. Employees and independent contractors with access to confidential student records shall
keep in confidence personally identifiable information regarding students or their family
members that has been obtained in the course of professional service, unless disclosure is

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 required or permitted by law or professional standards, or is necessary for the personal safety of
the student or others.
H. Employees and independent contractors with access to personnel files and information shall
maintain the confidentiality of this information as set forth in Policy 2125/7315 Confidential
Information.
I. Employees shall not willfully or maliciously violate the constitutional or civil rights of a student,
parent/legal guardian, or colleague.
J. Employees shall make any and all reports required by Chapter 115C of the North Carolina
General Statutes, if any, by the board, or by their principal or supervisor.
K. Employees shall not misuse public funds or property, funds of a school-related organization,
or a colleague's funds. Employees shall account for funds collected from students, colleagues, or
parents/legal guardians. Employees shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement,
expenses, or pay.
L. Employees shall direct all complaints regarding the work environment to the appropriate
supervisors and/or file grievances (see Policy 1750/7220 Grievance for Employees) instead of
acting to undermine or diminish the authority of co-workers and supervisors.
M. Employees shall avoid confrontations with co-workers, including but not limited to, engaging
in actions or conversations which the employee knows or should know will result in an actual
disruption.
N. Employees shall respond to all parent inquiries, complaints and/or concerns in a timely and
professional manner.
O. Employees shall comply with all administrative directives in a timely and professional manner,
including written directives regarding specific issues or behaviors.
P. Employees shall perform all assigned and/or accepted instructional duties in a timely and
professional manner.
Q. Employees shall participate in and complete any required professional development
activities.
R Employees shall participate in all required meetings in a professional manner.
S. Employees shall complete and transmit all required reports and other documentation in a
timely and professional manner.
T. Employees shall arrive at work each day at an appropriate time designated by the supervisor
ready and prepared to complete all assigned duties (7500 Workday and Overtime).
U. Employees shall be fully engaged in their job responsibilities during work hours.
V. Employees shall demonstrate respect for New Hanover County Schools and toward
coworkers, supervisors, students, and parents.
W. Employees shall use school system equipment, time, and resources judiciously and as
authorized.
X. Employees shall support efforts that ensure a safe and healthy work environment in
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 accordance with Policy 1510/4200/7270 School Safety.
Y. Employees shall meet or exceed established job performance expectations.
Z. Employees shall ensure dignity and nondiscrimination in schools by not teaching
students or compelling students, teachers, administrators, or other school employees to
affirm or profess belief in the concepts that:

1. One race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex;

2. An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist,
or oppressive;

3. An individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely

or partly because of his or her race or sex;

4. An individual's moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or

sex;

5. An individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for
actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex;

6. Any individual, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex, should feel discomfort,
guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress;

7. A meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist;

8. The United States was created by members of a particular race or sex for the
purpose of oppressing members of another race or sex;

9. The United States government should be violently overthrown;

10. Particular character traits, values, moral or ethical codes, privileges, or

beliefs should be ascribed to a race or sex or to an individual because of the
individual's race or sex;

11. The rule of law does not exist, but instead is a series of power relationships
and struggles among racial or other groups;

12. All Americans are not created equal and are not endowed by their Creator
with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;
and

13. Governments should deny to any person within the government's

jurisdiction the equal protection of the law.

Cross References: 7300 Staff Responsibilities; 7239 Work Place Relations; 4040/7310 Staff
Student Relations; 7500 Workday and Overtime; 1510/4200/7270 School Safety.
Adopted:

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Policy Code: 3540 Comprehensive Health and Safety Education Program

The board is committed to a sound, comprehensive health education program that

provides students with accurate information and encourages them to be responsible for
their own health and behavior. The board recognizes the primary role of parents in
providing for the health and well-being of their children and seeks to involve parents as
provided in this policy. The comprehensive health education program provided by the
school system will meet the requirements of state law and the objectives established by
the State Board of Education. The board may, in its discretion, expand on the subject
areas to be included in the program and on the instructional objectives to be met.

A. Comprehensive Health Education Program

A comprehensive health education program must be taught to students from

kindergarten through ninth grade. As required by law, the health education
program must include age-appropriate instruction on bicycle safety, nutrition,
dental health, environmental health, family living, consumer health, disease
control, growth and development, first aid and emergency care, mental and
emotional health, drug and alcohol abuse prevention, prevention of sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV/AIDS and other communicable
diseases, and reproductive health and safety education.

Instruction on gender identity, sexual activity, or sexuality will not be included in

the health education program in kindergarten through fourth grade (see also policy
1310/4002, Parental Involvement). As required by law and beginning in seventh
grade, and ending in the ninth grade, reproductive health and safety education will
include age-appropriate instruction on sexual abstinence until marriage, STDs, the
human reproductive system, preventable risks for preterm birth in subsequent
pregnancies, the effectiveness of contraceptive methods in preventing pregnancy,
awareness of sexual assault and sexual abuse, and sex trafficking prevention and
awareness.

Alcohol and drug use prevention education will be an integral part of the
comprehensive health education program in kindergarten through ninth grade and
will be incorporated in relevant subject areas in tenth through twelfth grade. The
alcohol and drug use prevention education program will be sequential and
comprehensive, provide factual information, delineate causes and symptoms of
drug abuse, be adapted to the local needs of the school community, and
encourage parental participation.

B. Parental Opportunities to Review Materials and Withhold Consent for

Student Participation

In NHCS, the Family Life education programs offers two courses in grades 6-
8. Each year before students participate in comprehensive reproductive health
and safety education or in other separate instruction on the prevention of STDs,
 including HIV/AIDS, or the avoidance of out-of-wedlock pregnancy, the principal or
designee shall notify parents of the opportunity to review the materials and
objectives that will be used in instruction. A copy of all objectives and materials
will be available for review on the school system website and at each school
where these subjects will be taught.

Permission from the parents or guardians of children in Grades 5-8 shall be

received prior to their child’s placement into the following sex education programs:

• Grade 5 Growth and Changes puberty education program

• Grades 6-8 My Life: Choices Today for a Healthy Tomorrow; or Stepping Stones
to Better Living: Responsible Decisions Program

Parents or guardians of high school students shall receive a letter from their
child’s school stating that their child will automatically be assigned to the sex,
gender, sexual orientation, and LGBTQ Inclusive Language education portion of
the health curriculum. Parents or guardians may choose to withhold their consent
for their child’s participation in any part of or the entire sex education portion of the
health curriculum. To do so, parents or guardians shall complete and submit the
bottom portion of the letter indicating they want their child excused from
participating in any part of or the entire sex education portion of the health
curriculum.

Any parent wishing to withhold consent must do so in writing to the principal, or

their designee.

C. Standards for Instruction

For reproductive health and safety education, teachers shall follow the
instructional objectives and only use the age-appropriate, inclusive materials that
have been made available to parents for review in accordance with this
policy. Information conveyed during instruction will be objective and based upon
scientific research that is peer reviewed and accepted by professionals and
credentialed experts in the field of sexual health education or other field
authorized by law.

A determination of what is an appropriate education for a student with disabilities

must be made in accordance with the student’s individualized education plan,
following all procedures as provided in the North Carolina Policies Governing
Services for Children with Disabilities.

Legal References: G.S. 115C art. 9; 115C-36, -76.25(a)(1), -76.35(b)(5), -76.40, -76.55,
-81.25, -81.30; Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities, State Board of
Education Policy EXCP-000; State Board of Education Policy SCOS-007

Cross References: Parental Involvement (policy 1310/4002)

Adopted: February 2, 2021

Revised: July 12, 2022; October 3, 2023

New Hanover County Public Schools

Policy Code: 2315 Opening Invocations Before Board Meetings

In order to solemnize and lend gravity to the occasion, it is the policy of the board to
allow for a brief, respectful invocation to be offered to the board and for the benefit of
the board before its meetings.

A. Generally

The invocation is not part of the official business of the board. No member or
employee of the board shall review the prayers in advance of the meetings or be
involved in the content of any invocation that is to be offered by an invocational
speaker if the invocational speaker is a member of the public. No invocational
speaker shall receive compensation from the board for his or her service.

B. Procedure for the Selection of Invocational Speaker

The invocation, which shall be no more than three (3) minutes long, shall be
voluntarily delivered by a religious leader or the leader of any assembly that
periodically and regularly meets within the county for the purpose of worshiping or
discussing their religious or non-religious perspectives. Each congregation or
assembly that chooses to participate in providing an invocation for the board shall
choose its invocational speaker.

To ensure that the invocational speakers are selected from among a wide pool of
the county’s religious leaders or leaders of organized assemblies, the invocational
speakers shall be selected according to the following procedure:

1. Within thirty (30) days of the effective date of this policy, the
superintendent shall post a notice inviting all religious congregations and
organized assemblies that periodically meet within the county for the
purpose of worshiping or discussing their religious perspectives to identify a
speaker to deliver an invocation before a scheduled meeting of the board.

2. The notice shall be published at least annually in all newspapers of

general circulation in New Hanover County as well as on the New Hanover
County Board of Education website.

3. The notice shall include the dates of all board meetings during the year
and direct potential invocational speakers to contact the superintendent or
the superintendent’s designee by e-mail or U.S. mail and provide their name,
congregation or organized assembly, preferred meeting date, and contact
information.

4. If more than one potential invocational speaker signs up for a board

meeting date, the invocational speaker will be selected at random by lottery
conducted by the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee. The
 superintendent will complete the invocation schedule and notify the
participants.

5. In the event no invocational speaker is signed up for a particular meeting,

a moment of silence will be observed.

6.. The notice to be published by the superintendent shall read as follows: Deleted: 5

An Invitation to Provide Invocations Before Meetings of the New

Hanover County Board of Education.

The religious leaders or chosen leaders of any assembly that

periodically worships or regularly meets in New Hanover County for the
purpose of worshiping or discussing their religious perspectives are
invited to offer a brief invocation before a meeting of the New Hanover
County Board of Education that is no more than three (3) minutes long.

Invocation speakers are free to offer an invocation to the Board of

Education according to the dictates of their own conscience. The
Board requests only that the purpose of the invocation be to lend
gravity to the occasion in a manner that is solemn and respectful in
tone and that invites Board members to reflect upon shared ideals and
common ends.

The Board further requests that speakers not promote one faith or
belief system over others, disparage other faiths or belief systems,
attempt to convert others to the speaker’s faith or belief system, or ask
the Board and audience members to participate by rising or otherwise.

C. Non-Affiliation with Any Faith or Religious Denomination

The board recognizes that New Hanover County is home to people of a variety of
religious faiths and beliefs and to people who do not have religious faiths and
beliefs. Therefore, this policy is not intended, and shall not be implemented or
construed in any way, to affiliate the board with, nor express the board’s
preference for, any faith or religious denomination.

Legal References: G.S. 115C-47; U.S. Const. amend.

I; Town of Greece, N.Y. v. Galloway, 572 U.S. 565 (2014); Marsh v. Chambers, 463
U.S. 783 (1983); Lund v. Rowan County, 863 F.3d 268 (4th Cir. 2017)

Adopted: October 3, 2023 Deleted: Cross References: ¶

New Hanover County Public Schools