By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY ó The Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education will be asked to approve a number of new policies during its regular meeting Monday.
Dr. Walter Hart, assistant superintendent of administration, will present a policy that addresses the needs of pregnant and parenting students.
The proposed policy outlines protocol for those students to prevent discrimination or exclusion from any school program, class or extracurricular activity.
ěThe Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education assumes responsibility for providing continuing educational opportunities for pregnant or parent students,î the policy says.
The policy would call for the district to use supplemental funds from the at-risk students services allotment to support programs for pregnant or and parenting students if necessary.
It would also give excused absences from school for pregnancy and related conditions for the length of time a studentís physician find medically necessary. Homework, make-up work and homebound instruction would be made available to allow students to keep current with assignments to avoid losing course credit.
Hart will also present a policy that outlines the procedures for discipline appeals. It would not allow formal appeals with the superintendent or the school board unless suspension occurs. All other appeals would be handled at the school level.
A second reading of a policy regarding concussion and head injury will also voted on by the board. The policy directs school employees to comply with concussion safety requirements for interscholastic athletic competition as defined in the a new state statute in order to reduce the potential for short-term or long-term effects of such head injuries.
During the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Judy Grissom will also give an update on the most recent central office proposal.
Last month, the board voted to hold off on sending the proposal for the downtown consolidated office to the Rowan County Board of Commissioners until concerns about financing were addressed.
Seven Rowan County residents spoke out against the proposal during the most recent commissioners meeting.
The board will also:
Be asked to adopt a beginning teacher support plan. The State Board of Education requires each school district to adopt a plan by Oct. 15.
Hear about projects performed at schools during the United Way Day of Caring.
Receive a report on maintenance projects performed in the school district from throughout the summer.
The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. Monday at the Long Street Administrative Office, 110 S. Long St., in East Spencer.