Purpose
The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) Board of Trustees recognizes that written board policies are essential to effective governance, legal compliance, and transparent decision making. This policy establishes the framework for the development, adoption, dissemination, implementation, review, and revision of Board policies.
I. Policy Statement
The ENCSD Board of Trustees shall adopt and maintain written policies that govern the operation of the school and guide the actions of the Board, Superintendent, staff, students, and stakeholders. Board policies shall reflect the Board’s vision, mission, and values; ensure compliance with federal and state requirements; and support equitable access and inclusion for all students, including Deaf and hard of hearing students.
II. Authority of Board Policies
- Board policies shall serve as the official statements of the Board’s directives and expectations.
- All Board policies shall be consistent with applicable federal laws, North Carolina General Statutes, and North Carolina State Board of Education policies.
- In the event of a conflict between Board policy and the law, the law shall prevail.
III. Development and Adoption of Policies
- The Board of Trustees is responsible for adopting, amending, or repealing Board policies.
- The Superintendent or designee may recommend new policies or revisions to existing policies for Board consideration.
- When appropriate, the Board may seek input from stakeholders, including staff, parents, and community members, using accessible formats and communication methods.
- Policies shall be adopted in accordance with applicable open meetings and public records laws.
IV. Implementation and Administration
- The Superintendent shall be responsible for implementing Board policies and developing any necessary administrative procedures consistent with those policies.
- Administrative procedures shall not conflict with Board policy or applicable law.
- The Superintendent shall ensure that policies are implemented in a manner that provides effective communication and reasonable accommodations for Deaf and hard of hearing students, parents, guardians, employees, and members of the public, consistent with the ADA and Section 504.
V. Accessibility and Communication
ENCSD shall ensure that Board policies and related information are accessible to all stakeholders. This includes appropriate:
- Provision of policies in accessible digital formats
- Captioned or interpreted Board meetings and public communications
- Effective communication accommodations for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, consistent with federal and state accessibility requirements
VI. Review and Revision of Policies
- The Board shall periodically review policies to ensure continued relevance, effectiveness, and legal compliance.
- Policies may be revised or repealed as needed to reflect changes in law, State Board policy, or Board priorities.
- The Superintendent shall notify the Board of any legal or regulatory changes that may require policy updates.
VII. Suspension or Waiver of Policies
The Board may temporarily suspend or waive a policy when permitted by law and when the Board determines such action is in the best interest of the school, provided that any such action is properly documented and does not violate federal or state requirements.
Legal References
- North Carolina General Statutes §§ 115C-36, 115C-47
- North Carolina Open Meetings Law, N.C.G.S. § 143-318.9 et seq.
- 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