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District details online alternative-education plan for long-term suspensions
Summary
Staff outlined a three-tier alternate-education plan (elementary, middle, high) using approved online platforms to provide instruction for students subject to long-term suspension, emphasized obligation under statutory guidance and noted that IEP-driven services for exceptional children remain governed by individualized plans.
Buena and other staff described the Randolph County School System's alternative-education plan for students placed on long-term suspension. The presenter's materials, included in the meeting packet, describe a threefold plan using online platforms for high school, middle school and elementary students and explained that the plan applies to students removed from campus who are not eligible for ISS or the ICART intervention program.
The presenter stressed that exceptional children remain subject to individualized education plans (IEPs), which guide alternate instruction for those students. Staff said the district has used online platforms historically (Apex, iLearn NCBPS) and that the approach expanded during the pandemic. The presenter cited a statutory obligation discussed in the packet, referenced in the meeting as "general statute 115C-3919," saying the district must provide education for students who are long-term suspended.
Board members raised questions about how often face-to-face instruction is required, employee safety for in-person alternatives, and how quickly plans must be implemented. Staff said face-to-face instruction has been rare since the district shifted to online provision; technology supports such as one-to-one devices and hot spots are used to reduce barriers, and the district must implement a plan by day 11 after the superintendent's determination in a long-term suspension case.
No formal board action was taken; staff provided the packet for the board's review and said they would continue to refine procedures and respond to board follow-up requests.
