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 (page 2) 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. AD-JHCCA - 7/04 (page 3) 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.