16 NCAC 06G .0317         SCHOOL REFORM MODELS

(a)  A local school administrative unit that wants to implement a school reform model in a continually low-performing school shall follow the provisions of 16 NCAC 06G .0318, 06G .0319, or 06G .0320, depending on the type of school reform model the LSAU wants.

(b)  The SBE shall authorize the LSAU to implement the requested school reform model if the LSAU submits the information required by the relevant Rule, and the SBE determines that the LSAU has the ability to implement a School Improvement Plan consistent with the authorized school reform model and is likely to operate the school in an educationally and economically sound manner to improve student learning. The LSAU shall operate the school under the authorized school reform model until the SBE refuses to continue or removes the authorization.

(c)  The SBE may refuse to continue or remove authorization to operate a school under a school reform model whenever it determines that:

(1)           The school has failed to realize the academic goals in the School Improvement Plan and the failure to reduce administrative barriers that contributed to the school's identification as continually low performing means the school is unlikely to realize those goals within the next two years;

(2)           The LSAU has failed to comply with applicable state or federal laws, has failed to provide the SBE with required reports, or failed to submit the School Improvement Plan for SBE approval in accordance with G.S. 115C-105.37A(a);

(3)           A school operating under the Restart Model has not demonstrated academic gain in any two years from Year 2 to Year 4 of any five-year cycle and is unlikely to demonstrate academic gain within the next two years;

(4)           The LSAU requests removal of the authorization and the SBE determines that the school is more likely to realize greater growth scores or achievement scores without the authority to operate under the approved school reform model; or

(5)           If the LSAU continues to operate the school under the approved school reform model, the school is unlikely to meet expected growth under G.S. 115C-83.15(f) and realize lower achievement scores in the next two years.

(d)  If the local board of education determines that no school reform model has been or would be effective in removing improving school performance or otherwise concludes that closure of the school is appropriate, it may close the school in accordance with G.S. 115C-72 and reassign the students enrolled in the school to other, higher-achieving schools within the LSAU consistent with Chapter 115C, Article 25 of the General Statutes.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 115C-105.37B;

Eff. January 1, 2025;

Amended Eff. June 1, 2026.