The Guilford County Schools Board of Education voted to approve a revised school safety policy and board member conflict of interest policy at Tuesday’s board meeting.

The revised School Safety Policy 1510-4200-7270 includes updated language requiring middle and high school employees to receive training on operating the school’s anonymous safety tip line. Additionally, the policy requires middle and high school students to be informed of the anonymous safety tip line. The policy also encourages students to use the tool to report anything that may be a risk to the school community.

-The revised Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy 2121 updates regulations on instances where School Board members must recuse themselves from votes, deliberations, or the administration of contracts regarding organizations in which they have leadership roles.

-Additionally, the Board of Education’s Policy Committee voted to send the following policies out for a 30-day public comment period

-The revised Educational Program Policy 3104 relating to magnet or option schools and programs would update the language for these programs, referring to them now as “Choice” schools and programs. The policy also outlines how students can be assigned or admitted into choice programs.

-The revised School Assignment Policy 4150 includes a proposed update that would authorize the Board of Education to define certain geographical areas as choice zones. A “Choice zone,” as outlined in the facilities master plan, would be described as an area with several choice schools. To promote diversity and equity, students living in that zone would be given priority when applying to any of the schools in that area.

-The revised School Admission Policy 4120 would update the language regarding requirements for admission into and matriculation through the school district to reflect state law.

-The Revised Student Transportation Policy 6300 would replace the previous transportation policy. It outlines eligibility, expectations of students and protocols for transportation services.

-The revised Energy and Natural Resource Conservation and Management Policy 6530 would establish objectives for the district’s sustainability and conservation efforts.

The public can mail comments to the GCS (Guilford County Schools) Central Office at 712 N. Eugene Street or email them to [email protected]. After comments for 30 days, the Board will then consider the policy at their February board meeting.

About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina and among the largest of more than 14,000 in the United States, serves nearly 70,000 PK-12 students at 126 schools. With approximately 9,800 employees, GCS works in partnership with parents, businesses, colleges and the community to deliver an education that connects student interests and skills with the careers and economy of our future here and around the world. We provide educational choices to meet individual student needs in a culturally diverse citizenship and new opportunities to help our students grow. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com.