Parent and Student Rights Information

The safety and well-being of students in Columbus County Schools is of paramount importance. The district is dedicated to creating a secure and supportive learning environment for all. To achieve this goal, CCS has implemented the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, in accordance with G.S. 115C-105.51, a program supported by the NC Center for Safer Schools.

This system empowers students, parents, and community members to contribute to the safety of our schools by providing a secure and anonymous platform for reporting safety concerns.

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is a valuable tool to report a wide range of safety concerns, including but not limited to:

• Acts of violence, with or without weapons

• Verbal or physical abuse, assault, or harassment

• Sexual abuse, assault, or harassment

• Threats observed on social media

• Bullying, fighting, harassment, or intimidating behaviors

• Bragging about weapons or a planned attack

• Depression, anxiety, or loss of self-control

• Hopelessness, excessive guilt, or worthlessness

• Reckless behavior, theft, and petty crimes

• Social isolation or withdrawal

• Substance or alcohol abuse

• Suicide threats, cutting, or other self-harm

• Any other troubling situation or behavior that causes concern

If you have safety concerns or observations that you would like to share, please use the Columbus County Schools Say Something Anonymous Tip Line HERE. 

The board strives to resolve concerns and complaints of students and parents or guardians whenever possible.  To this end, the board has provided opportunities for students and parents or guardians to express their concerns through processes established in board policies.  Policy 1742/5060, Responding to Complaints, identifies these different processes, including a mechanism for resolving complaints in an informal manner.

While the board encourages resolutions of complaints through informal means, it recognizes that, at times, a formal process may be necessary for certain types of complaints or if the informal process did not produce satisfactory results.  Board Policy 1740/4010 Student and Parent Grievance Procedure provides the complaint procedure that may be used.

The board strives to resolve concerns and complaints of students and parents or guardians whenever possible.  To this end, the board has provided opportunities for students and parents or guardians to express their concerns through processes established in board policies.  Policy 1742/5060, Responding to Complaints, identifies these different processes, including a mechanism for resolving complaints in an informal manner.

While the board encourages resolutions of complaints through informal means, it recognizes that, at times, a formal process may be necessary for certain types of complaints or if the informal process did not produce satisfactory results.  Board Policy 1740/4010 Student and Parent Grievance Procedure provides the complaint procedure that may be used.

Students and families are encouraged to review and discuss the materials contained in the Columbus County Schools Student/Parent Handbook, which summarizes several important policies. Please note that this document is not a comprehensive list of all district policies and these summaries are not a substitute for the policies themselves. 

A complete list of policies is available online at https://boardpolicyonline.com/bl/?b=columbus 

The McKinney-Vento Program provides legal protection and support services to children and youth experiencing a housing crisis. Contact the School Social Worker at your child’s school for assistance. For more information see  Board Policy 4125 Homeless Students.