[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6519002,"mediaKeyId","5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d","parentId",5382533,"title","Caswell County Schools board approves elementary and middle handbooks, holds high school handbook pending policy changes","audioSeconds",3933,"startMs",28941,"endMs",3962261,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d&start=28&end=3962","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d/thumbnail_28941.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6519002/North-Carolina/Caswell-County-Schools-board-approves-elementary-and-middle-handbooks-holds-high-school-handbook-pending-policy-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6519002-7a8faf9c1e6f2107a9e9ed0b2d705075/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050268&Signature=oC8hprvdoGIjtuXtRqqoEzTwNW~38GG86jo~b~E62ZDvWfHGF3dBFhAaZG2dvofj-0lOPZ6OG0m8OUZsEoiDijJukfhHkz2EuTBAjFfcNldCXkHyBfP5wzKFEl9rCqDvZUQdEniiBnj9u-xPX9vnoVAriLgqMPlLb8eiA3~Yv1ceHRAnuRNukd7UqNWBNvkl1iR2ZFBS1UoTodwttYNkYs5jlXt04DXQtYgnSUlT2ql0~6YumP50wSyz2B3OdNMPg6Ti3X4GWKIZD9nu6Z35BfhB9ynVijnn9VNK1GWkg3hzXfWP2cXqtV49DNJg7fYV4dyxtNDY-h9lZ9LuWBZvEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Caswell County Schools","date","2025-07-14T15:03:00Z","article","The Caswell County Board of Education approved updated elementary and middle school handbooks and memoranda on a 7-0 vote, while agreeing to delay final action on the high school handbook until district policy can be aligned with school-level recommendations.

Board members and staff discussed several changes recommended by faculty and administrators, including updates to the cell-phone discipline language, replacement of an emergency-notification product name, printing and distribution plans for handbooks, volunteer form deadlines, PE uniform access for students who cannot afford them, inclusion of optional insurance information, and student photo opt-out procedures.

Why it matters: The handbooks set expectations for student conduct and school operations across the district. Board approval allows the district to print and distribute materials before the school year, but the high school recommendations that conflict with existing district policy — notably a proposed change on head coverings — will require a separate policy revision before those handbook items can be finalized.

The board’s action
The board voted to approve the elementary and middle school handbooks and the accompanying memorandum as presented. The motion carried 7-0.

On the high school handbook, board members and administrators flagged items that could not be adopted without corresponding changes to district policy, particularly a recommendation to permit hats and headscarves at the high school. Board members repeatedly said a change to an overarching district policy would be required and that such a policy change would need to come back for a first reading at a future meeting. The board agreed to bring the policy change to the next meeting for first reading so the high school handbook could be finalized and printed.

Key discussion points
- Cell phones and confiscation: Board members raised concerns that the handbook language allowing confiscation could expose the district to property-damage or reimbursement claims if devices are damaged in custody. As one board member said, \"I don't think I know you need to be careful with that because phone gets damaged. Somebody's gonna say, hey. You tore up my phone. You need to reimburse me.\" Another board member suggested keeping a written receipt when returning confiscated items: \"You might wanna have them sign a receipt that they've gotten [the phone] and it's returned in the same order,\" said a board member.

- Emergency notification language: The memorandum recommends removing the term \"Alert Now\" and updating the wording to reflect the district's current system. A district official clarified, \"We will still send phone messages out to families and community, but it may be a different system,\" and confirmed notifications would be sent via \"email, phone, text message...\" The staff asked that the handbook refer to the current product name (Blackboard Connect/Parent Connect) rather than the legacy trade name so families know how they will be contacted.

- Handbook printing and distribution: Staff noted the district's legal interest in ensuring parents can show they received handbook information. The administration said it is exploring printing options and costs and will return to the board with details; staff recommended printing copies for all students to reduce liability risk from parents who say they were not notified. The board also discussed printing only for new students or select grade levels to reduce cost, but staff cautioned that limited distribution can leave the district exposed to claims that families were not notified.

- Volunteers and forms: Board members asked that the middle school handbook include the same detailed volunteer deadlines and level descriptions that appear in the elementary handbook; staff said they would align the forms and deadlines across levels.

- PE uniforms and affordability: Board members said students who cannot afford PE uniforms should be provided one so they are not penalized. The board discussed case‑by‑case handling at the school level and suggested staff contact school counselors to assist families in need.

- Student photos and opt-out: The board discussed processes to maintain an opt-out list for student photos and publication. Staff described a district process tied to the student information system so teachers and those posting photos can check whether a student has opted out; administrators said they would refine and present that process to the board.

- Hats/head coverings at the high school: The high school recommended permitting hats and headscarves for students; several board members preferred keeping a uniform countywide standard rather than allowing exceptions by school. Board members agreed that a change allowing head coverings at the high school would require a policy amendment and that the board would consider that amendment at the next meeting (first reading), after which the high school handbook could be finalized.

What’s next: Staff will return with printing-cost estimates and a proposed policy amendment for head coverings so the high school handbook can be adopted and printed before open house and the start of school. The board instructed staff to present the policy change for first reading at the next meeting so materials can be finalized for families.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOE Regular recurrent meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Caswell County Board of Education approved updated elementary and middle school handbooks and memoranda on a 7-0 vote, while agreeing to delay final action on a high school handbook item that conflicts with current district policy.","taxTitle","Caswell County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina","taxId",56351,"location","North Carolina","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6518991,"Board hears concerns that policy freezing Civic Center bookings through Oct. 1 limits rentals and revenue",524,3864648,4388780,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d&start=3864&end=4388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d/thumbnail_3864648.jpg","/articles/6518991/North-Carolina/Board-hears-concerns-that-policy-freezing-Civic-Center-bookings-through-Oct-1-limits-rentals-and-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518991-495e2844dbe8c20296e5f86e3f912cfd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050268&Signature=gqdndeYPSA1xHv~tr0rjbFLUD9EfKaNCl2Lap0ZGsxlssZhz8PO~~nf1765tQiGuKyuIkKdL1hgPG-7pqcDuYxgWofxdM5FOhTQoVbYK01F4-m9NQC2gCP3cxtW5oGViU0O8cZPUc1MhAZmsJ1d4THXcl4BKGbqchphTRgpz8ed7cy-9It6c2zBUDolboXWCIJOWN9ZelVln2LL6scaS9gNSi2KwqEXi5ISJRgaGzA84i3ZduwQQUSyeiezAQNx5qFurdiFzzDfCx9BhHIuo1feNZYRJJj8ROqfO10vOsr34WXcHKs2rLE-Pr95py66eFndn1nVc-vN-y-oJs40c3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members discussed district policy 5031, which freezes scheduling of the Civic Center to preserve dates for school events and professional development until after Oct. 1. The policy was intended to allow principals and school staff time to finalize calendars and avoid conflicts with graduations, open houses and school events, but administrators and some board members said it can create lost rental revenue and community frustration.

Why it matters: The Civic Center is a district facility used for school events and public rentals. A scheduling freeze that prioritizes school calendars can block community rentals in July and August and may reduce facility revenue if the building sits unused while offices finalize school schedules.

What was said
Staff explained the policy: when school calendars are not finalized, the district freezes large-auditorium bookings until after Oct. 1 so principals have priority in scheduling graduations and other school events. A board member said this approach \"could be a double-edged sword\" — it helps schools but may deter community renters; another noted the policy was adopted in part because new principals needed time to set dates.

Staff proposed a work session to develop clearer guidelines so the board can balance school scheduling needs and facility rentals; the board did not take action but asked staff to place the topic on a future work session agenda.

Clarifying details
- Policy citation: staff identified the governing rule as policy 5031 (last revision 07/29/2024). Staff said the freeze is intended to ensure schools can secure dates for convocations, graduations and other events before outside groups reserve the space.

Next steps: Staff will place the civic-center scheduling issue on a future work session agenda and explore options that would allow some community rentals while preserving school scheduling priority.","Board members were briefed on district policy 5031, which reserves scheduling priority for schools and freezes some Civic Center bookings until after Oct. 1 to allow schools to set calendars. Staff said the policy aims to avoid conflicts but acknowledged it can reduce rental revenue and suggested a work session to consider guidelines.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6518997,"After lengthy debate, board narrows exam-exemptions rules; final motion passes 5-2",1342,2473311,3816060,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d&start=2473&end=3816","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382533-e52e58e04b70758652a9867d5782fa0d/thumbnail_2473311.jpg","/articles/6518997/North-Carolina/After-lengthy-debate-board-narrows-exam-exemptions-rules-final-motion-passes-5-2","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518997-dfbbb0591528798f4bad75e90b85ae4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771050268&Signature=Pr2WA~kEFIgK19sWc5PdW0xuO2ibOcVKBXjCrB5Zx-gHCPPsXFEbwC06Sj71bJhx6uq--hijIQh6fSGHtE8Fiw1d6ZGmBzUB-IX69J76kDWVlWwPXleV5ZrX1kibt9REcUdtYoNGb3s0XbAzoCqKwRVWQHQJC2KpXiw9uIIUz5sCFTUEAEVdWEPlAQwwvtOnlF3zSYFJzGjM2vc69DhJvgu3FkVW9WlnAkRVruam8BEY51bMi67FH39VvBEyErIn0r-IPXWNDoA7DhuQ~7vGcvIRj7kBTs9cr-fv6gUaW0tgp9WY8j47PpcNajd9fmdw~u5DEUIS6d7cLCKmNS8KkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Caswell County Board of Education voted 5-2 to adopt a revised approach to exam exemptions for high-school courses after extended discussion about fairness, academic standards and administrative workload.

Why it matters: The exemption policy determines whether students may opt out of semester exams and can affect final course grades and student behavior near exam periods. Changes to exemptions can alter classroom attendance incentives and academic preparation strategies.

What the board decided
After multiple motions and amendments, the board adopted the staff and leadership team's recommendation on exam exemptions with an amendment addressing attendance and related criteria. The final motion passed 5-2. (Motion text provided in meeting minutes and packet; mover and seconder were not recorded on the audio transcript.)

Discussion highlights
- Academic and behavior concerns: Several board members opposed broad exemptions, arguing tests prepare students for future work or college and that exemptions can produce perverse incentives — for example, students skipping class to protect their GPA. One board member said, \"I don't believe in exemptions for the simple reason. Kids gonna be tested somewhere along the line once they leave.\"

- Administrative burden and recordkeeping: Staff described the attendance and exemption tracking as additional work for teachers and administrators, particularly distinguishing excused and unexcused absences. A staff member noted the first semester's implementation was \"a little rougher\" because it was new and required extra recordkeeping but said workarounds and familiarity improved the process in the second semester.

- Grade computation and exam weight: Staff confirmed that the semester exam accounts for 20 percent of the semester grade (quarters total 80 percent); a student’s exam can alter the final average and therefore exemptions affect final calculations.

- Senior-year considerations: Some board members argued seniors have unique circumstances and activities; others said the same academic standards should apply across grades. The board addressed those competing views in shaping the final motion.

Clarifying details included in discussion
- Exam weight: The exam counts 20 percent of the semester grade (the four quarter grades constitute 80 percent).
- Recordkeeping: Staff described difficulty distinguishing excused and unexcused absences and that a hardship/medical verification process exists for extended absences.

Outcome and next steps
The motion to adopt the revised exam-exemption criteria as amended passed 5-2. Staff will implement the revised criteria and adjust communications to families about eligibility, attendance and the process for hardship documentation.

","Caswell County school board voted 5-2 to adopt revised exam-exemption criteria for high-school exams after extended discussion about academic rigor, attendance, and administrative burden. The board's motion, as amended, defines eligibility and keeps an attendance-related caveat; teachers and parents expressed both support and concern.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Caswell County Schools board approves elementary and middle handbooks, holds high school handbook pending policy changes

Board hears concerns that policy freezing Civic Center bookings through Oct. 1 limits rentals and revenue

After lengthy debate, board narrows exam-exemptions rules; final motion passes 5-2