Repeals Part 9A (state school for the sight-impaired) and Part 30 (state school for hearing-impaired) of Article 3 of GS Chapter 143B. Enacts new Article 9C to GS Chapter 115C, making the State Board of Education (SBOE) the sole governing agency to administer the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, the Eastern NC School for the Deaf, and the NC School for the Deaf (residential schools). Allows SBOE to accept funds to benefit the residential schools and to delegate fund administration to a private nonprofit foundation as specified. Directs SBOE to adopt codes of conduct and appeals provisions, policies and procedures for academic performance and discipline, and rules setting reasonable fees for extracurricular activities, with the input of the Executive Director of the Residential Schools. Exempts the SBOE from applicable provisions in the Administrative Procedure Act, but requires the SBOE to give notice of rules 30 days before adoption and allow comments. Directs each residential school to establish a Student Rights Advisory Committee, with membership as detailed. Lists the Committee’s duties and specifies that the provision does not impede the SBOE’s authority to investigate or make decisions. Amends GS 126-5(c1) to exempt the Executive Director of Residential Schools from all provisions of GS Chapter 126 (State Personnel System) except Articles 6 and 7.
States that rules adopted under former Parts 9A and 30 of Article 3 of GS Chapter 143B will remain in effect until superseded by rules adopted under new Article 9C. Provides that the SBOE may reorganize residential school staffing as needed. Provides that the Department of Health and Human Services retains responsibility for the maintenance and information technology support, as applicable, at residential schools.
Appropriates $255,708 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to restore principal positions at each residential school. Appropriates $225,148 from the General Fund to DPI for two program administrators and one administrative assistant position as indicated.
The appropriations are effective July 1, 2011, and the remainder of the act is effective when it becomes law.