ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTIVE JHCCA-7/04
Blood-Borne Contagious and/or Infectious Diseases
TO:
All Principals, Administrators, and Supervisory Staff
FROM:
Dr. John H. Kidd, Division Superintendent
DATE:
July 14, 2004
1.
Implementation
Upon learning of a student within the Rockingham County Public Schools Division who
has been identified by a qualified source as having, or been exposed to, Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV), Acquired Immunodeficiency (AIDS), AIDS Related Complex (ARC), Hepatitis B or
C, or any other contagious or infectious disease the Superintendent shall: consult with the
student's parent(s) and attending physician regarding the student's health condition and convene an
Advisory Committee to recommend a course of action for the student. After receiving the
Advisory Committee recommendation the Superintendent shall determine the student's
placement.
The Superintendent's decision should be incorporated in the RCPS "emergency alert"
form for students with health problems (see Administrative Guidelines for Health Care of
Students).
2.
The Advisory Committee Process
The Advisory Committee should consider the following:
a.
The circumstances in which the infected individual may likely be
contagious to others or contract from others (status of immunizations).
b.
Any infections or illnesses the student likely could have as a result of the
condition which would be contagious through casual contact in the school
situation;
c.
The age, behavior, neurologic, and other development of the student;
d.
The expected type of interaction with others in the school setting and the
implications to health and safety of the infected student and others;
AD-JHCCA - 7/04
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3.
e.
The existence of risk of transmission occurring within the school related
population while the infected person is in attendance;
f.
The method of protecting the student's right to privacy including
maintaining confidential records, and who in the school setting "needs to
know" the identity of the individual;
g.
Recommendations as to whether the student should continue in the school
setting, be excused from attendance, or, if currently not attending, under
what circumstances he/she may return;
h.
Recommendations as to whether a restrictive setting or alternative delivery
of school programs is advisable and practicable;
i.
The determination of when the case should be reviewed again by the
Advisory Committee;
j.
The ability of the student to engage in academic (cognitive) activities and the extent
practical;
k.
The extent to which any classroom modifications and/or medical considerations
would be necessary;
l.
Any other relevant information.
Advisory Committee's Recommendation
a.
Within three (3) business days after convening the Advisory
Committee, the Superintendent shall be provided with a written
summary of the proceedings and the recommendation/proposals
from the Advisory Committee. A recommendation to the
Superintendent is based on the information gathered in the case
review process and will include the rationale for the recommendation
concerning school attendance and instructional/medical considerations
for the student.
b.
The Superintendent shall either affirm, modify, or take exception
to the recommendation of the Advisory Committee within three (3)
business days after receipt of the recommendation with a written
statement to the parent/guardian or affected person.
c.
In the event the Superintendent takes exception to the Advisory
Committee's recommendation, the Superintendent shall send a
written statement that sets forth the reasons for the exceptions and
the basis for that decision to the parent/guardian.
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4.
Appeal Process
The parent/guardian or affected person who is aggrieved by the Superintendent's decision may
appeal the decision to the Chairman, Rockingham County School Board within three (3) days of
the date of the Superintendent's decision by delivering to the chairman a written statement of the
grounds and rationale for the appeal. The chairman shall convene a meeting of the School Board
within (3) working days of the receipt of the appeal, if practicable. The decision of the school
board shall be deemed to be final.