The safety of students is a paramount concern of the Wilkes County Board of Education and school district. The principal or principal’s designee will make reasonable efforts to determine that any person appearing at a school and requesting permission to take a student from the school is properly identified before the student is released to him or her.
Except in the most extreme circumstances, custody of a student will not be relinquished to any person without the prior approval of the parent or guardian having physical custody. However, if the parents are divorced or separated, the student may be released to either parent, unless the school has been provided with a copy of a court order or agreement that specifies otherwise.
If the principal or designee judges that the student’s health or safety may be harmed by releasing the student, the principal will contact law enforcement and/or the department of social services as appropriate.
Schools shall develop guidelines to implement this policy.
Legal References: G.S. 115C-40, -47, -288, -391
Cross References: Child Abuse - Reports and Investigations (policy 4240), Relationships with Other Governmental Agencies (policy 5100)
Adopted: January 9, 2006