The policies listed below are annotated and may have been revised since the preparation of this webpage. Refer to the live policies link for the most up-to-date version.
To access WCPS Board Policies, visit the district webpage to reach the Policies Link.
From the top navigation bar, click on Expanded TOC and select policy.
(2018 Revision)
Supplementary materials are instructional and learning resources which are selected to complement, enrich or extend the curriculum. Such resources include, for example, specialized materials selected to meet diverse needs or rapidly changing circumstances, library materials, digital resources, the school system’s media collection, classroom collections and teacher-selected resources for individual classes.
The procurement of materials must be accomplished in accordance with law, including the First Amendment of the United States Constitution; board educational goals; board purchasing and accounting policies; and established selection guidelines, including the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association. The objectives for the selection of supplementary materials are as follows:
to provide a wide range of materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the individual needs and varied interests, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, learning styles and developmental levels of the students served;
to provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards;
to provide a background of information that will enable students to comprehend their role as citizens in society and to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives;
to provide resources representing various points of view on controversial issues so that students as young citizens may develop, under guidance, the skills of critical thinking and critical analysis;
to provide resources representative of the many religious, ethnic and cultural groups in our nation and the contributions of these groups to our American heritage; and
to place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of material of the highest quality in order to ensure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the media center.
The responsibility for the selection of supplemental materials is delegated to the professional staff under the direction of the superintendent and will be made primarily at the school level with the involvement of a school media and technology advisory committee. The committee shall be appointed by the principal and will include the teachers and instructional support personnel representing various subject areas and grade levels, parents, and, if on-staff in the school, the library media coordinator and the technology facilitator. Students also should be involved when feasible.
Certified library media personnel in each school shall be responsible for coordinating the selection and purchase of media center resources. All requests must be signed by the principal or his/her designee.
The selection process used by the committee will include: (1) an evaluation of the existing collection; (2) an assessment of the available resource and curriculum needs of the school; and (3) consideration of individual teaching and learning styles. In coordinating the selection of resources, the committee should use reputable, unbiased selection tools prepared by professional educators and should arrange, when possible, for firsthand examination of resources to be purchased.
When reviewing or examining proposed materials, the committee should consider the following factors:
the material’s overall purpose, educational significance and direct relationship to instructional objectives and the curriculum and to the interests of the students;
the material’s reliability, including the extent to which it is accurate, authentic, authoritative, up-to-date, unbiased, comprehensive, and well-balanced;
the material’s technical quality, including the extent to which technical components are relevant to content and consistent with state-of-the-art capabilities;
the material’s artistic, literary and physical quality and format, including its durability, manageability, clarity, appropriateness, skillfulness, organization and attractiveness;
the possible uses of the material, including suitability for individual, small group, large group, introduction, in-depth study, remediation and/or enrichment;
the contribution the material will make to the collection’s breadth and variety of viewpoints;
recommendations of school personnel and students from all relevant departments and grade levels;
the reputation and significance of the material’s author, producer and publisher; and
the price of the material weighed against its value and/or the need for it.
(Revised 2017)
Objections regarding the use of instructional materials and resources may be submitted to the principal and objections and/or challenges must originate at the school level. The “Wayne County Public Schools Request for Reconsideration of Print or Nonprint Media” form must be used to file an objection and/or challenge. The completed form must be returned to the school principal within five school days from the date the form was distributed or the objection/challenge will be considered void. Only one specific material or title may be challenged and no “blanket” challenges such as requesting the removal of all books by a particular author will be considered.
The principal shall request that the school Media and Technology Advisory Committee review any objections/challenges to instructional materials/resources. While input from the community may be sought, the Board believes professional educators are in the best position to determine whether a particular instructional material is appropriate for the age and maturity of the students and for the subject matter being taught.
If the principal or the Media and Technology Advisory Committee determines that any material violates constitutional or other legal rights of the parent or student, the principal or the committee shall either remove the material from instructional use or accommodate the particular student and parent. Before any material is removed, the principal or the committee shall ensure that the curriculum is still aligned with current statewide instruction standards and articulated from grade to grade. If an objection made by a parent or student is not based upon constitutional or legal rights, the principal or the committee may accommodate the objection after considering the effect on the curriculum, any burden on the school, teacher or other students that the accommodation would create, and any other relevant factors. Books and other instructional materials may be removed from the school media collection only for legitimate educational reasons and subject to the limitations of the First Amendment.
The decision of the committee or principal may be appealed to the superintendent. The decision of the superintendent may be appealed to the Board.
(Revised 2010)
Occasional objections to some instructional materials and resources may be voiced by parents despite the care taken in the selection process and despite the qualifications of persons selecting the resources. If a complaint is made, the following procedures should be observed.
1. Inform the complainant of the selection procedures and request that the complainant file his/her objections in writing by completing the REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF PRINT OR NONPRINT MEDIA form to be submitted to the building-level Media Advisory Committee.
2. Notify the District Media Center Supervisor of the complaint.
3. The building level Media Advisory Committee will:
examine the item and the objection
survey reviews of the item in professional reviewing sources
determine the extent to which the item supports the curriculum
weigh the merits against the alleged weaknesses, considering the whole item instead of isolated passages
discuss the item and prepare a written report of the findings and recommendations of the committee
send copies of the report to the principal and the media supervisor. The media supervisor, if needed, will discuss the report with the superintendent, who may present it to the Board.
4. If the complainant is not satisfied, he/she may file a REQUEST FOR REVIEW OF BUILDING LEVEL RECOMMENDATION with the Superintendent. Following the steps outlined above, a district level committee may be convened by the Superintendent to reexamine all documentation from the original reconsideration decision. The Committee will prepare a written report of their findings and recommendation and report directly to the Superintendent.
5. The decision of the Superintendent may be appealed to the Board.
6. The school Board shall, at all times, have sole authority and discretion to determine whether a challenge has merit and whether challenged material should be retained or removed.
REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES OF PRINT OR NONPRINT MEDIA
(Revised 2017)
In alliance with state school technology goals, the board is committed to establishing and supporting 21st century information and communications technology systems to foster globally competitive, healthy and responsible students. The board recognizes the benefits of digital and technology-enabled teaching and learning resources that provide the ability to easily customize curriculum, provide access to current information and enable access to quality materials at a lower cost than traditional materials. To that end, the board supports classroom digital and technology-enabled teaching and learning resources that are aligned with the current statewide instructional standards as they become available. In addition, to the extent funding permits, the board will endeavor to ensure that all students have access to personal digital and technology-enabled teaching and learning devices to foster the 21st century skills necessary for future-ready learners.
1. Upon completion of the appropriate user agreement, users participating in BYOD will be allowed to access the district wireless network at no cost to the user. As such, the district is not responsible for any data charges associated with personal data plans that may exist between the user and any outside agent (e.g., cellular carriers).
2. It is the responsibility of the user to use all computer and network resources in the district in accordance with Board policies, and in a responsible, legal, and ethical manner. Any violations of these standards should be reported to the classroom teacher or appropriate administrator immediately. Violations of district policy will subject the user to administrative discipline, and any violations of state or federal law may result in criminal prosecution at the discretion of the appropriate authorities.
3. In accordance with the Child Internet Protection Act, all use of district devices and/or network resources will be actively filtered in an effort to prevent access to inappropriate or illegal content on the Internet. In addition, activity will be monitored as deemed appropriate and necessary by authorized technical staff to ensure safe and appropriate use.
4. Users are advised that they enjoy no expectation of privacy in any aspect of their use of district computer or network resources, regardless of the ownership of any device using district computer or network resources. Devices used inappropriately may be blocked from the network.
5. In the event that disciplinary measures are deemed necessary, district staff shall follow all existing policies regarding disciplinary action of inappropriate conduct. In addition, the following consequences may be applied by technical staff upon observation of a violation of the terms of this or any other applicable district policy regarding appropriate use of district computer and network resources:
Temporary disabling of access to district computer and network resources;
Permanent disabling of access to district computer and network resources;
Referral to school and/or district administration for further disciplinary action;
Referral to legal authorities under applicable law(s).
6. Wayne County Public Schools recommends that all personal devices brought in for educational use meet the following criteria:
Operating systems – Users are encouraged to maintain the most current version of their device’s operating system at all times.
Wireless Internet connectivity
Adobe Flash capabilities encouraged
Ability to utilize Google Tools (Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc.) encouraged
7. Wayne County Public Schools, its staff, and its employees are not liable for any personal device including its accessories being lost, stolen, or damaged while on campus. Students and staff are responsible for keeping track of their devices at all times. It is recommended that engravings or other custom markings are used to physically identify your personal device from others. Additionally, protective cases for technology devices are encouraged.
(Revised 2022)
The Board recognizes that the use of the Internet and technology resources is a standard part of the instructional process and is considered the same as using a textbook or any other resource to enhance or deliver instruction. The Board also recognizes that parents of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using media and information sources. Accordingly, the student's parent must be made aware of the possibility that the student could obtain access to inappropriate material while engaged in use of the Internet. The parent and student must consent to monitoring of the student's Internet activity and e-mail communication by school personnel.
In addition, in accordance with the Board's goals and visions for technology, students may require accounts in third-party systems for delivery of curriculum designed to assist students in mastering content and educational goals.
Parental notification of the aforementioned items is transmitted via AR 3225 on an annual basis.
AR 3225-R Technology/Internet Responsible Use Agreement
AR 3225-R1 Employee Technology Responsible Use Agreement
All students and employees must be informed annually of the requirements of this policy and the methods by which they may obtain a copy of this policy. Before using school system technological resources, students and employees must sign a statement indicating that they understand and will strictly comply with these requirements and acknowledge awareness that the school system uses monitoring systems to monitor and detect inappropriate use of technological resources.
(Revised 2016)
Wayne County Public Schools uses video footage, photographs, slides, or other illustrations of students for many purposes. In addition, student work or student projects may be used in educational displays or posted on school district web pages or used in other school district publications that may be viewed outside the school setting. Video footage or other photographic material may be used in newsletters, telecommunications programs, web pages or other publications produced by an individual school and/or the school district. If an individual photo of a student is used on any school district web page, the full name of the student will not be used. Photos, video or student statements, or published projects may be used in subsequent years following the year of origination.
Photograph in this release form is intended to only refer to photos of your child alone and does not refer to directory information such as school yearbooks. Group photographs (2 or more students) with no additional identifying information, are considered directory information in accordance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) guidelines.
(Revised 2014)
The technology director or designated representatives shall provide age-appropriate training for students who use the school system’s Internet services. The training provided will be designed to promote the school system’s commitment to educating students in digital literacy and citizenship, including
the standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in policy
student safety with regard to safety on the Internet, appropriate behavior while online, including behavior on social networking websites and in chat rooms, and cyberbullying awareness and response; and
compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Following receipt of this training, the student must acknowledge that he or she received the training, understood it and will follow the provisions of policy
(Revised 2021)
The Wayne County Public Schools Board recognizes and supports the limitations on unauthorized duplication and use of copyrighted materials. The Board does not sanction or condone any illegal use or duplication of copyrighted materials.
3230-R Copyright Compliance Agreement
(Revised 2016)
It is the policy of the Board of Education that any media used within a school setting should be for instructional purposes only and consistent with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Sound instructional principles that maximize instructional time should always be employed when using any form of media in the instructional setting. Use of video in any format (VHS, DVD, Streaming, etc.) or direct TV programming for entertainment or reward purposes violates this policy. Utilization of video or direct TV broadcast must comply with the Copyright Law. The Board does not condone any infringement on the property rights of copyright owners.
AR 3236-R Request for Prior Approval of Video/DVD Broadcast
(Revised 2016)
Board Policy 3200; Selection of Instructional Resources, Textbooks and Supplementary Materials, must be followed when selecting supported instructional software.
CRITERIA FOR SUPPORTED SOFTWARE:
1. All software and/or subscriptions must be approved by the district Media and Technology Advisory Committee (MTAC) and/or Technology Services Department and/or the district prior to purchase. Only software that is purchased by or for Wayne County Public Schools shall be installed on Wayne County Public Schools computers or devices.
2. When possible, software presentation sessions by vendors should be coordinated through the Office of Technology/Information Services.
3. License requirements regarding the method and number of installations shall be strictly followed. "Freeware" programs must be pre-approved for use by the Technology Services Department and/or the district Media and Technology Committee (MTAC). Any licensing/registration required by the application must be followed.
4. Software purchased for Wayne County Public Schools shall be installed under the following conditions:
a. Software has been selected and approved by the appropriate district and/or school level Media and Technology Advisory Committee.
b. Software has been certified to run under the current hardware and infrastructure specifications by the Technology Services Department.
c. All license requirements are met and are on file in the district Technology Services Department, in the media center at the purchasing school, or the appropriate administrative office for Central Office purchases.
d. Original software media (CD, DVD, downloaded files) are kept in the possession of the building media specialist or in the district Technology Services Department.
5. Software may be installed only by the following technology personnel:
a. Wayne County Public Schools Technology Services Department personnel School-based staff with prior approval from the Technology Services Department
b. Professional technical support staff from the software developer's company with prior approval from the Technology Services Department
6. Installation procedure:
a. In labs: arranged with the Technology Services Department at least 30 days prior to need
b. Over the network: arranged with the Technology Services Department at least 15 days prior to need
c. Individual copies: arranged with the Technology Services Department at least 5 days prior to need, allow more time if multiple workstations require installation
7. Technology Services Department personnel will confirm, prior to purchase, that software:
a. Was selected and/or approved by the district and/or school Media and Technology Advisory Committee
b. Meets all license and copyright requirements
c. Is free from any viruses
d. Is compatible with building computers and networks
e. Is certified to run on current hardware and infrastructure
AR 3240-R Software Purchase/Review Request Form
(Revised 2021)
The Board recognizes the importance of incorporating current technology tools, including new methods of electronic communication, into the classroom to enhance student learning. It further recognizes the importance of employees, students and parents engaging, learning, collaborating, and sharing in digital environments as part of 21st century learning. The Board strives to ensure that electronic communication tools incorporated into the school curriculum are used responsibly and safely. As practicable, the Board will provide access to secure social media tools and Board approved technologies for use during instructional time and for school-sponsored activities in accordance with policies 3220, Technology in the Educational Program and 3225, Technology Responsible Use.
The Board acknowledges that school employees may engage in the use of social media during their personal time. School employees who use social media for personal purposes must be mindful that they are responsible for their public conduct even when not acting in their capacities as school system employees. All school employees, including student teachers and independent contractors, shall comply with the requirements of this policy when using social media for personal purposes. In addition, all school employees must comply with policy 7310, Staff-Student Relations, when communicating with individual students through other electronic means, such as through voice, email, or text-messaging.