Consultants to the Board Policy 2600

Consultants to the Board Policy 2600

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) Board of Trustees recognizes that consultants may be engaged to provide specialized expertise and professional services to support informed decision-making and effective governance.  This policy establishes the authority, expectations, and limitations related to the use of consultants by the Board in alignment with applicable federal and state laws.

I. Policy Statement

The Board of Trustees may retain consultants to advise the Board on specific issues requiring specialized knowledge or skills beyond those available within ENCSD.  Consultants shall serve in an advisory capacity only and shall not exercise administrative authority or decision-making power reserved to the Board or Superintendent.

II. Authority to Engage Consultants

  1. The Board of Trustees may authorize the engagement of consultants as needed to support Board responsibilities. 
  2. The Board shall define the scope, purpose, duration, and compensation of consultant services.
  3. Consultants shall be engaged in accordance with applicable procurement laws, Board policies, and budgetary constraints.

 

 

 

III. Roles and Limitations of Consultants

  1. Consultants shall provide advice, analysis, or recommendations as requested by the Board.
  2. Consultants shall not direct staff, supervise employees, or interfere with the administrative functions of ENCSD.
  3. Consultants shall not represent ENCSD or the Board unless explicitly authorized to do so.
  4. Consultants shall comply with all applicable laws, Board policies, and confidentiality requirements.

IV. Relationship to Superintendent and Staff

  1. Consultants engaged by the Board shall not circumvent the authority of the Superintendent or administrative staff.
  2. The Superintendent shall be informed of the engagement of consultants whose work may affect school operations or administration.
  3. Consultants may interact with staff as necessary to fulfill their duties, consistent with the scope approved by the Board.

V. Accessibility and Effective Communication 

Consultants engaged by the Board shall support effective communication and accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing stakeholders when participating in Board meetings, interviews, presentations, or other activities involving ENCSD, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

VI. Confidentiality and Ethics 

  1. Consultants shall maintain confidentiality of information obtained through their engagement consistent with law and contractual terms.
  2. Consultants shall adhere to applicable ethical standards and avoid conflicts of interest.

Legal References

  • North Carolina General Statutes §§ 115C-36, 115C-47
  • North Carolina Public Records Law, N.C.G.S. § 132-1 et seq.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794
Policy