Virus inspires school policy changes

    Murphy – The Cherokee County Board of Education started reviewing policies in April that could affect the future where and how employees and board members do their work.
    All policies are expected to have a second reading at the next board meeting Thursday, May 28, before being approved. All policies under review may be read in full online at www.cherokee.k12.nc.us.
    A new policy outlines the ability for school employees to telework, as many have been doing since remote learning began in March. The policy was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Under the new policy, employees will not be able to telework if their presence is essential, and teleworking is not meant to replace sick leave. They will be expected to work and be available during their regular work hours.
    Another new policy outlines how board members may use technology, including how they may present their thoughts on their personal social media accounts. According to the policy, board members should be professional, are not allowed to post information about a student nor their family without permission and are not allowed to intimidate, bully or harass others on social media.
    The policy adds that board members must use district-provided tools, like computers and email accounts, in a responsible manner, and that nothing created on these tools is private.
    The remote participation in board meetings policy was updated for circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    It was updated to include reasons of “order of quarantine or isolation, or government-issued ‘stay-at-home’ mandate,” as well as “a state or local declaration of a state of emergency that makes in-person attendance at a meeting a violation of an order to reduce social contact or to stay at home for reasons of public health.” Illness, out-of--town travel, unexpected lack of child care, family member illness or emergency, weather conditions, military service, employment obligations and scheduling conflicts were already circumstances under which a board member could attend meetings remotely.
    The policy was also updated to add a section on electronic board meetings, allowing the board to meet during an emergency situation without being physically present. The section describes that appropriate notice must be given so “the public and media may hear or witness the board’s discussion, deliberation and decision making.”
    The policy changes also increase the number of times a board member may participate in meetings remotely from two to three times a calendar year.