reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-263 - School nutrition services.

§ 115C-263. School nutrition services.
(a) As a part of the function of the public school system, local boards of education shall provide to the extent practicable school nutrition services in the schools under their jurisdiction. All school nutrition services made available under this authority shall be provided in accordance with federal guidelines established by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.
(b) The State Board of Education may adopt rules regulating the provision of school nutrition services that impose additional restrictions that are not inconsistent with the federal guidelines. (1955, c. 1372, art. 5, s. 34; 1965, c. 912; 1967, c. 990; 1975, c. 384; 1981, c. 423, s. 1; 2022-71, s. 2.4(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-264 - Operation.

§ 115C-264. Operation.
(a) Local boards of education operating school nutrition programs shall participate in the National School Lunch Program established by the federal government. School nutrition programs shall be under the jurisdiction of the Division of School Nutrition of the Department of Public Instruction.
(b) For nutritional purposes, schools shall not do any of the following:
(1) Use cooking oils in their school nutrition programs that contain trans-fatty acids.
(2) Sell processed foods containing trans-fatty acids that were formed during the commercial processing of the foods.
(c) All school nutrition services shall be operated on a nonprofit basis, and any earnings therefrom over and above the cost of operation as defined herein shall be used to reduce the cost of food, to serve more nutritious food, or to provide free or reduced-price meals to economically disadvantaged children and for no other purpose. The term "cost of operation" means the actual cost incurred in the purchase and preparation of food, the salaries of all personnel directly engaged in providing nutrition services, and the cost of nonfood supplies as outlined under standards adopted by the State Board of Education. "Personnel" means school nutrition supervisors or directors, bookkeepers or other staff directly engaged in nutrition services record keeping, and those persons directly involved in preparing and serving food. School nutrition personnel shall be paid from the funds of the school nutrition program only for services rendered on behalf of the school nutrition program. Any cost incurred in the provisions and maintenance of school nutrition services over and beyond the cost of operation shall be included in the budget request filed annually by local boards of education with boards of county commissioners. Local boards of education are not required to comply with G.S. 115C-522(a) in the purchase of supplies and food for such school nutrition services. (1955, c. 1372, art. 5, s. 34; 1965, c. 912; 1967, c. 990; 1975, c. 384; 1981, c. 423, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 900, s. 78; 2003-147, s. 5; 2004-124, s. 7.29(a); 2004-203, ss. 72(a), (b); 2005-253, s. 1; 2022-71, s. 2.4(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-264.1 - Preference to high-calcium foods and beverages in purchasing contracts.

§ 115C-264.1. Preference to high-calcium foods and beverages in purchasing contracts.
(a) In addition to any requirements established by the United States Department of Agriculture under the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, or other federally supported food service programs, local boards of education shall give preference in purchasing contracts to high-calcium foods and beverages. For purposes of this section, "high-calcium foods and beverages" means foods and beverages that contain a higher level of calcium and that are equal to or lower in price than other products of the same type or quality.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, if a local school board determines that a high-calcium food or beverage would interfere with the proper treatment and care of an individual receiving services from the public school food program, the local school board shall not be required to purchase a high-calcium food or beverage for that individual. A local school board that has entered into a contract with a supplier to purchase food or beverages before the effective date of this section is not required to purchase high-calcium foods or beverages for the duration of that contract if purchasing those products would change the terms of the contract. (2003-257, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-264.2 - Vending machine sales.

§ 115C-264.2. Vending machine sales.
(a) Each school may, with the approval of the local board of education, sell to students beverages in vending machines during the school day if the following requirements are met:
(1) Soft drinks are not sold (i) during the breakfast and lunch periods, (ii) at elementary schools, or (iii) contrary to the requirements of the National School Lunch Program.
(2) Sugared carbonated soft drinks, including mid-calorie carbonated soft drinks, are not offered for sale until 30 minutes after the end of the school day.
(3) Repealed by Session Laws 2022-71, s. 2.4(d), effective July 8, 2022.
(4) Diet carbonated soft drinks are not considered in the same category as sugared carbonated soft drinks.
(5) Bottled water products are available in every school that has beverage vending.
(b) Nothing in subsection (a) of this section prohibits a school from adopting stricter policies with respect to beverage vending.
(c) Snack vending in all schools shall meet the standards for competitive foods and beverages established by the Food and Nutrition Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. In elementary schools, snack vending shall not be available to students, and in middle and high schools, snack vending products shall not have more than 200 calories per portion or snack vending package. (2005-253, s. 2; 2022-71, s. 2.4(d).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-264.4 - Local preference for produce in schools.

§ 115C-264.4. Local preference for produce in schools.
A local school board may develop and implement policies and procedures to facilitate and maximize to the extent practicable, purchases of food grown or raised in North Carolina, including, but not limited to, policies that permit a percentage price preference for the purpose of procuring food grown or raised within the State. As used in this section, "price percentage preference" means the percent by which a responsive bid from a responsible bidder whose product is grown or raised in North Carolina may exceed the lowest responsive bid submitted by a responsible bidder whose product is not grown or raised in North Carolina. (2016-113, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-264.5 - Muscadine grape juice.

§ 115C-264.5. Muscadine grape juice.
Local boards of education shall strive to ensure that one hundred percent (100%) muscadine grape juice is made available to students in every school in the local school administrative unit as a part of the school's nutrition program or through the operation of the school's vending facilities. (2023-63, s. 5(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17 - Supporting Services. › § 115C-265 - Rules and regulations for distribution of library/media personnel funds; employment of personnel.

§ 115C-265. Rules and regulations for distribution of library/media personnel funds; employment of personnel.
(a) The State Board of Education is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the distribution of library/media personnel funds, on the basis of average daily membership (ADM), to each local school administrative unit of the State.
(b) Each local school administrative unit in the State shall employ library/media personnel in accordance with State library/media guidelines approved by the State Board of Education insofar as funds are approved for that purpose by the North Carolina General Assembly. (1977, c. 1088, ss. 2, 3; 1981, c. 423, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17C - Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission. › § 115C-268.5 - Powers and duties of the Commission.

§ 115C-268.5. Powers and duties of the Commission.
(a) Duties. – The Commission shall:
(1) Develop and recommend to the State Board of Education rules related to all aspects of educator preparation programs in accordance with Article 17D of this Chapter. These rules shall include the following:
a. Requirements for appropriate pedagogy to be included in residency license programs.
b. Appropriate courses to be used for calculation of individual and cohort grade point averages for admission to educator preparation programs, which may account for prior degrees attained, type of license, and areas of licensure. The Commission shall consider which grade point average, either the grade point average in the content courses relevant to the licensure area or the cumulative grade point average, would be most appropriate for clinical residency students.
(2) Develop and recommend to the State Board of Education rules related to all aspects of professional standards for North Carolina educators in accordance with Article 17E of this Chapter. These rules shall include specific hour requirements for the following:
a. Preservice training and field experiences prior to entering the classroom for individuals issued residency licenses.
b. Preservice training prior to entering the classroom for individuals issued emergency licenses.
(3) Provide recommendations as requested to the State Board of Education related to the educator preparation programs and professional standards of North Carolina educators.
(b) The Commission shall recommend ways to ensure that the clinical practice requirements described in G.S. 115C-269.25(d) effectively prepare high-quality professional educators who meet the demands of North Carolina schools.
(c) State Board Approval. – The Commission shall submit its recommendations under subsection (a) of this section to the State Board. The State Board shall adopt or reject the rules recommendations. The State Board shall not make any substantive changes to any rules recommendation that it adopts. If the State Board rejects the rules recommendation, it shall state with specificity its reasons for rejection; the Commission may then amend that rules recommendation and resubmit it to the State Board. The Board shall adopt or reject the amended rules recommendation. If the State Board fails to adopt the Commission's original and amended rule recommendations, the State Board may develop and adopt its own rules.
(d) Annual Report. – The Commission shall submit a report by December 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and the State Board of Education of its activities during the preceding year, together with any recommendations and findings regarding improvement of the teaching profession. (2017-189, s. 1(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17D - Educator preparation programs. › § 115C-269.5 - Educator preparation programs.

§ 115C-269.5. Educator preparation programs.
(a) Role of EPPs. – An EPP shall prepare students for educator licensure and meet the standards and requirements set forth in this Article. To recommend students for licensure, an EPP shall be recognized by the State Board.
(b) State Board Authority. – The State Board shall initially authorize and recognize an EPP as required by this Article. The State Board shall have authority to regulate EPPs in accordance with this Article.
(c) Initial Authorization. – The State Board shall assign the status of initially authorized to an EPP if it has not yet generated sufficient data to meet the performance standards, but the EPP meets one of the following criteria:
(1) The EPP is approved by the State Board.
(2) The EPP is nationally accredited by CAEP.
(d) Authorization. – The State Board shall assign the status of authorized to an EPP if the EPP meets the following criteria:
(1) The EPP is approved by the State Board or nationally accredited by CAEP.
(2) The EPP satisfies the performance standards to the extent that the EPP has not been assigned revoked status described in G.S. 115C-269.45.
(e) The State Board shall assign the status of recognized EPP to an EPP that has the status of initially authorized or authorized. (2017-189, s. 2(i).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17D - Educator preparation programs. › § 115C-269.15 - Minimum admissions requirements for educator preparation programs.

§ 115C-269.15. Minimum admissions requirements for educator preparation programs.
(a) Testing. – A recognized EPP shall not admit a student until that student has met one of the following criteria:
(1) Attained a passing score or prescribed minimum score set by the State Board for a preprofessional skills test.
(2) Achieved the appropriate required scores, as determined by the State Board, on the verbal and mathematics portions of the SAT or ACT. The minimum combined verbal and mathematics score set by the State Board for the SAT shall be 1,100 or greater. The minimum composite score set by the State Board for the ACT shall be 24 or greater.
(3) Holds a bachelor's degree.
(b) Individual Grade Point Average. – A recognized EPP shall not admit a student into an EPP unless that student has earned a grade point average of at least a 2.7.
(c) Grade Point Average Exceptions. – Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the individual grade point average requirement does not apply to a clinical resident student if the hiring local school administrative unit determines that one of the following criteria is met:
(1) The student has at least 10 years of relevant experience.
(2) For a program leading to licensure in career and technical education, the student has at least five years of relevant experience.
(d) Cohort Grade Point Average. – A recognized EPP shall ensure that the minimum cohort grade point average for each entering cohort to an EPP is at least a 3.0. (2017-189, s. 2(i).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17D - Educator preparation programs. › § 115C-269.30 - Teacher assistants engaged in internships.

§ 115C-269.30. Teacher assistants engaged in internships.
(a) Program for Teacher Assistants. – The State Board shall adopt a program to facilitate the process by which teacher assistants may become teachers. Teacher assistants who participate in this program shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Be enrolled in a recognized EPP.
(2) Be employed in a North Carolina public school.
(b) Internship Assignments. – Local school administrative units are encouraged to assign teacher assistants to a different classroom during an internship than the classroom they are assigned to as a teacher assistant. To the extent possible, they may be assigned to another school within the same local school administrative unit.
(c) Salary and Benefits. – Teacher assistants shall continue to receive their salary and benefits while interning in the same local school administrative unit where they are employed as a teacher assistant.
(d) Consultation With Institutions of Higher Education. – The State Board shall consult with the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina and the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities in the development of the program. (2017-189, ss. 2(i), 6(n).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17D - Educator preparation programs. › § 115C-269.40 - Risk factors for educator preparation programs; risk-assessment model.

§ 115C-269.40. Risk factors for educator preparation programs; risk-assessment model.
(a) Risk Factor Rules. – The State Board shall adopt rules establishing risk factors for assessment of the overall risk level of each EPP. The set of risk factors shall include the following:
(1) A history of the EPP's compliance with State law and rules, with consideration given to the following:
a. The seriousness of any violation of a law or rule.
b. Whether the violation resulted in an action being taken against the EPP.
c. Whether the violation was promptly remedied by the EPP.
d. The number of alleged violations.
e. Any other matter considered to be appropriate in evaluating the EPP's compliance history.
(2) Whether the program meets the accountability performance standards under G.S. 115C-269.35.
(b) CAEP Accreditation. – The rules for risk factors developed by the State Board may include whether an EPP is accredited by CAEP.
(c) Use of Risk Factors. – The State Board shall use the rules for risk factors when conducting monitoring, inspections, and compliance audits of EPPs, including evaluations associated with renewals of approval under G.S. 115C-269.10. (2017-189, s. 2(i).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17D - Educator preparation programs. › § 115C-269.50 - EPP report cards.

§ 115C-269.50. EPP report cards.
The State Board shall create an annual report card for each EPP that, at a minimum, summarizes the information collected in the annual performance reports, as set forth in G.S. 115C-269.35(b). The report cards shall provide user-friendly access to the public, and shall provide the ability to easily compare annual report card information between EPPs, including performance and other data reported by each EPP, as provided in G.S. 115C-269.35(b). The State Board shall make the report cards available to the public through the State Board's Internet Web site on an annual basis beginning December 15, 2019, and shall submit the report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee annually by that date. (2017-189, s. 2(i); 2018-32, s. 3(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17D - Educator preparation programs. › § 115C-269.55 - Reports of alleged violations regarding educator preparation programs.

§ 115C-269.55. Reports of alleged violations regarding educator preparation programs.
(a) Authority. – The State Board shall adopt rules necessary to establish a process for a student to report a violation of this Article to the State Board.
(b) EPP Notice to Students. – The State Board by rule shall require an EPP to notify students of the complaint process adopted under subsection (a) of this section. The notice shall include the appropriate contact information, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and Internet Web site address for the purpose of directing complaints to the State Board. The EPP shall provide for that notification as follows:
(1) On the Internet Web site of the EPP, if the program maintains a Web site.
(2) On a sign prominently displayed in program facilities.
(3) In the student handbook.
(c) Notice of Complaint Process. – The State Board shall post the complaint process adopted under subsection (a) of this section on the State Board's Internet Web site.
(d) Limits on State Board Authority. – The State Board has no authority to mediate, arbitrate, or resolve contractual or commercial issues between an EPP and a student. (2017-189, s. 2(i).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.1 - Definitions.

§ 115C-270.1. Definitions.
As used in this Article, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Administrator. – An administrator or supervisor who serves in general and program administrator roles, as classified by the State Board. Administrators shall include superintendents, assistant or associate superintendents, principals, assistant principals, or curriculum-instructional specialists.
(2) Professional educator. – An administrator, teacher, or student services personnel.
(3) Recognized educator preparation program or recognized EPP. – As defined in G.S. 115C-269.1(15).
(4) Student services personnel. – An individual providing specialized assistance to students, teachers, administrators, or the education program in general, as classified by the State Board. Student services personnel shall include individuals employed in school counseling, school social work, school psychology, audiology, speech-language pathology, and media coordination.
(5) Teacher. – An individual whose major responsibility is to either teach or directly supervise teaching, as classified by the State Board. (2017-189, s. 3(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.5 - State Board of Education establishes licensure requirements.

§ 115C-270.5. State Board of Education establishes licensure requirements.
(a) Authority. – The State Board of Education shall have entire control of licensing all applicants for professional educator positions in all public schools of North Carolina, subject to the requirements of this Article. The State Board shall adopt rules for the issuance, renewal, and extension of all licenses and shall determine and fix the salary for each grade and type of license which it authorizes.
(b) Consultation – The State Board shall receive recommendations from the Professional Educator Preparation and Standards Commission and seek input from The University of North Carolina Board of Governors, the State Board of Community Colleges, educator preparation programs, and such other public and private agencies as are necessary in adopting rules required by this Article. (2017-189, s. 3(c).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.10 - Licensure fees.

§ 115C-270.10. Licensure fees.
(a) Fee Schedule. – The State Board of Education shall establish by rule a schedule of fees for professional educator licensure and administrative changes. The fees established under this section shall not exceed the actual cost of providing the service. The schedule may include fees for any of the following services:
(1) Application for demographic or administrative changes to a license.
(2) Application for a duplicate license or for copies of documents in the licensure files.
(3) Application for a renewal, extension, addition, upgrade, reinstatement, and variation to a license.
(4) Initial application for a new graduate from any recognized educator preparation program.
(5) Initial application for an out-of-state applicant.
(6) All other applications.
An applicant must pay any nonrefundable or nontransferable service fees at the time an application is submitted.
(a1) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, the State Board of Education shall reimburse the initial application fee for any new graduate from any recognized EPP the first time an applicant submits an application for teacher licensure, if the applicant has successfully earned an initial professional license in North Carolina. The State Board shall issue the reimbursement to the application fee within 30 days of the date the applicant successfully earns an initial professional license in North Carolina.
(b) Fee Increase Reporting. – The State Board of Education shall report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by March 15 in any year that the amount of fees in the fee schedule established under this section has been modified during the previous 12 months. The report shall include the number of personnel paid from licensure receipts, any change in personnel paid from receipts, other related costs covered by the receipts, and the estimated unexpended receipts as of June 30 of the year reported. (2017-189, ss. 3(c), 6(q).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.15 - Examination requirements.

§ 115C-270.15. Examination requirements.
(a) Examination Score Requirements. – The State Board of Education shall require an applicant for an initial professional license (IPL) or a residency license (RL) to demonstrate the applicant's academic and professional preparation by achieving a prescribed minimum score on a standard examination appropriate and adequate for that purpose. Elementary education (K-6) and special education general curriculum teachers shall also achieve a prescribed minimum score on subtests or standard examinations specific to teaching reading and mathematics.
(b) Establishment of Minimum Scores. – The State Board shall adopt rules that establish the minimum scores for any required standard examinations and other measures necessary to assess the qualifications of professional educators as required under this section. For purposes of this section, the State Board shall not be subject to Article 2A of Chapter 150B of the General Statutes. At least 30 days prior to changing any rule adopted under this section, the State Board shall provide written notice to all recognized educator preparation programs and to all local boards of education. The written notice shall include the proposed revised rule. The State Board of Education shall make any required standard examination rigorous and raise the prescribed minimum score as necessary to ensure that each applicant has received high-quality academic and professional preparation to teach effectively.
(c) Time Line for Completion of Examinations. – The State Board of Education shall permit an applicant to fulfill any such examination requirement before or during the third year of licensure, provided the applicant took the examination at least once during the first year of licensure.
(d) Monitoring Compliance. – The State Board shall direct the Department of Public Instruction to monitor teachers' compliance with this section. In the event a teacher is not in compliance with any of the requirements of this section, the Department shall notify the teacher.
(e) Conversion to Continuing Professional License. – The State Board shall not convert an IPL or RL to a continuing professional license for a teacher who has not fulfilled the examination requirements of this section. (2017-189, s. 3(c); 2019-71, s. 1.1; 2019-212, s. 8(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.21 - Licensure exception for Cherokee language instruction.

§ 115C-270.21. Licensure exception for Cherokee language instruction.
(a) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education shall enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians specifying the criteria that must be met in order for individuals to teach Cherokee language and culture classes. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals approved to teach in accordance with an MOU entered into pursuant to this section shall be authorized to teach Cherokee language and culture classes without a license.
(b) A memorandum of understanding entered into under this section shall at least include the following:
(1) Requirements for approval of individuals employed under this section, including a requirement that the individual has demonstrated mastery of the Cherokee language through a credential issued by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
(2) A three-year approval period, which may be renewed, for individuals employed under this section.
(3) Authority of the Superintendent of Public Instruction or the Superintendent's designee to approve and renew approval of individuals employed under this section, subject to the requirements of the memorandum of understanding.
(4) Requirements for renewing approval of individuals employed under this section after three years.
(5) A clear statement that an individual authorized to teach pursuant to this section shall not be permitted to provide instruction in other content areas unless the individual possesses a license issued in accordance with G.S. 115C-270.20. (2018-7, s. 2(a).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.25 - Out-of-state license applicants.

§ 115C-270.25. Out-of-state license applicants.
Initial applications for a continuing professional license from an individual with an out-of-state teacher's license shall require the applicant to provide evidence of that teacher's effectiveness, when available, as measured by the evaluation system used in that applicant's state of current licensure at the time of application, including any growth measures included in that evaluation system. An individual who does not include evidence of that teacher's effectiveness with the initial application shall only be eligible for an IPL or LL. (2017-189, s. 3(c); 2019-71, s. 2.2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 17E - Licensure. › § 115C-270.30 - Licensure renewal.

§ 115C-270.30. Licensure renewal.
(a) Licensure Renewal. – The State Board shall adopt rules establishing the requirements for renewal of all professional educator licenses. These requirements shall reflect rigorous standards for continuing licensure and shall be aligned with high-quality professional development programs that reflect State priorities for improving student achievement.
(b) Teacher Licensure Renewal. – Rules for continuing licensure for teachers shall include the following:
(1) For all teachers, at least eight continuing education credits with at least three credits required in a teacher's academic subject area.
(2) For elementary school teachers, at least three continuing education credits related to literacy. Literacy renewal credits shall include evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and intervention strategies for students not demonstrating reading proficiency, grounded in the Science of Reading, as defined in G.S. 115C-83.3.
(3) Repealed by Session Laws 2019-71, s. 4.3, effective July 1, 2019.
(4) For all teachers employed by a local board of education, evidence of a rating of at least proficient on the most recent annual evaluation to maintain the current license status. A teacher who is unable to satisfy this requirement but has been placed on a mandatory improvement plan may be eligible to receive an IPL if that teacher satisfies all other licensure requirements.
(5) A member of the General Assembly is exempt from the continuing education credit requirements for teachers during any five-year licensure renewal cycle in which the member serves a term or some portion thereof in the General Assembly as long as the member notifies the Department of Public Instruction of the exemption during that five-year licensure renewal cycle.
(c) License Renewal Rules Review. – The rules for licensure renewal shall be reviewed at least once every five years by the State Board to do the following:
(1) Reevaluate and enhance the requirements for renewal of professional educator licenses.
(2) Consider modifications in the license renewal achievement to make it a mechanism for professional educators to renew continually their knowledge and professional skills.
(3) Integrate digital teaching and learning into the requirements for licensure renewal. (2017-189, s. 3(c); 2019-71, s. 4.3; 2021-8, s. 3(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 18 - Superintendents. › § 115C-273 - Salary schedule for superintendents.

§ 115C-273. Salary schedule for superintendents.
Every local board of education may adopt, as to assistant or associate superintendents not paid out of State funds, a salary schedule similar to the State salary schedule, but it likewise shall recognize a difference in salaries based on different duties, training, experience, professional fitness, and continued service in the same school system; but if any local board of education shall fail to adopt such a schedule, the State salary schedule shall be in force. (1955, c. 1372, art. 5, s. 32; 1965, c. 584, s. 3; 1981, c. 423, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 18 - Superintendents. › § 115C-274 - Removal.

§ 115C-274. Removal.
(a) Local boards of education are authorized to remove a superintendent who is guilty of immoral or disreputable conduct or who shall fail or refuse to perform the duties required of him by law. In case the State Board of Education has sufficient evidence at any time that any superintendent of schools is not capable of discharging, or is not discharging, the duties of his office as required by law or is guilty of immoral or disreputable conduct, the State Board of Education shall report this matter to the board of education employing said superintendent of schools. It shall then be the duty of that board of education to hear the evidence in the case and, if after careful investigation it shall find the charges true, it shall declare the office vacant at once and proceed to elect a successor: Provided, that such superintendent shall have the right to try his title to office in the courts of the State.
(b) If the superintendent shall fail in the duties enumerated in G.S. 115C-276(g), 115C-276(h), 115C-276(i), or any other duties as may be assigned him, he shall be subject, after notice, to an investigation by the State Board of Education or by his board of education for failure to perform his duties. For persistent failure to perform these duties, the State Board of Education may revoke the superintendent's certificate and the superintendent may be dismissed by his board of education.
(c) The identification by the State Board of Education of more than half the schools in a local school administrative unit as low-performing under G.S. 115C-105.37 is evidence that the superintendent is unable to fulfill the duties of the office, and the State Board may appoint an interim superintendent to carry out the duties of the superintendent under G.S. 115C-105.39, may revoke the superintendent's certificate under this section, may dismiss the superintendent under G.S. 115C-105.39, or may take any combination of these actions. (1955, c. 1372, art. 5, s. 25; art. 6, s. 4; 1981, c. 423, s. 1; 1995 (Reg. Sess., 1996), c. 716, s. 6.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 18 - Superintendents. › § 115C-275 - Vacancies in office of superintendent.

§ 115C-275. Vacancies in office of superintendent.
In case of vacancy by death, resignation, or otherwise, in the office of a superintendent, such vacancy shall be filled by the local board of education in which such vacancy occurred. If the vacancy is filled on a temporary basis, subject to the same approvals and to the same educational qualifications as provided for superintendents, the individual appointed to fill the vacancy on a temporary basis shall be paid the salary provided for superintendents. During the time any superintendent is on an approved leave of absence, without pay, an acting superintendent may be appointed in the same manner to serve during the interim period, which appointment shall be subject to the same approvals and to the same educational qualifications as provided for superintendents. In case such position is not filled immediately on a permanent or temporary basis, or in case of absence of a superintendent on account of illness or other approved reason, the board of education, by resolution duly adopted and recorded in the minutes of such board, may assign to an employee of such school board, with the approval of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, any duty or duties of such superintendent which necessity requires be performed during such time. If the superintendent's duty of signing warrants and checks is assigned, the board shall give proper notice immediately to the State Controller and to the appropriate local disbursing official. (1955, c. 1372, art. 6, s. 2; 1959, c. 573, s. 3; 1977, c. 298; 1981, c. 423, s. 1; 1987 (Reg. Sess., 1988), c. 1025, s. 11; 1991, c. 542, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 18 - Superintendents. › § 115C-277 - Office, equipment, and clerical assistance to be provided by board.

§ 115C-277. Office, equipment, and clerical assistance to be provided by board.
It shall be the duty of the various boards of education to provide the superintendent of schools with an appropriate office. Likewise, it shall be the duty of the various boards of education to furnish adequately the superintendent's office and provide all necessary office supplies. Authority is hereby given to boards of education to employ sufficient clerical assistants and purchase sufficient office machines and equipment to the end that the business of the superintendent of schools shall always be conducted in a prompt and efficient manner. (1955, c. 1372, art. 5, s. 23; 1981, c. 423, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 18 - Superintendents. › § 115C-278 - Assistant superintendent and associate superintendent.

§ 115C-278. Assistant superintendent and associate superintendent.
Local boards of education shall have authority to employ an assistant superintendent, in addition to those that may be furnished by the State when, in the discretion of the board of education, the schools of the administrative unit can thereby be more efficiently and more economically operated and when funds for the same are provided in the current expense fund budget. The duties of such assistant superintendent shall be assigned by the superintendent with the approval of the board of education.
Local boards of education may, upon the recommendation of the superintendent, elect assistant or associate superintendents for a term of from one to four years. The term may not, however, exceed the expiration date of the superintendent's contract, unless the remaining time of the superintendent's contract is less than one year. If there is less than one year remaining on the superintendent's contract, the assistant or associate superintendent shall be given a contract through the next school year.
The term of employment shall be stated in a written contract which shall be entered into between the board of education and the assistant or associate superintendent, a copy of which shall be filed with the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a matter of information. The assistant or associate superintendent may not be dismissed during the term to which he is elected except for misconduct of such a nature as to indicate he is unfit to continue in his position, incompetence, neglect of duty, or failure or refusal to carry out validly assigned duties. (1955, c. 1372, art. 5, s. 27; 1971, c. 1188, s. 1; 1973, c. 733; 1981, c. 423, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 19 - Principals and Supervisors. › § 115C-284.1 - School administrator preparation programs.

§ 115C-284.1. School administrator preparation programs.
Rules for approval of school administrator preparation programs shall incorporate the criteria developed in accordance with G.S. 116-74.21 for assessing proposals under the School Administrator Training Program. (2017-189, s. 2(k).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 19 - Principals and Supervisors. › § 115C-286 - Rules for conduct of principals and supervisors.

§115C-286. Rules for conduct of principals and supervisors.
The conduct of principals and supervisors, the kind of reports they shall make, and their duties in the care of school property are subject to the rules of the local board, as provided in G.S. 115C-47(18). (1981, c. 423, s. 1.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 19 - Principals and Supervisors. › § 115C-286.1 - Evaluations of principals.

§ 115C-286.1. Evaluations of principals.
Local school administrative units shall evaluate all principals and assistant principals at least once each year. Either the superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall conduct the evaluations.
The State Board of Education shall ensure that the standards and criteria for the evaluations include the accountability measures of teacher retention, teacher support, and school climate. The State Board shall revise its evaluation instruments to include these measures. A local board shall use the performance standards and criteria adopted by the State Board unless the board develops an alternative evaluation that is properly validated and that includes standards and criteria similar to those adopted by the State Board. (2005-276, s. 7.29.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 19 - Principals and Supervisors. › § 115C-289 - Assignment of principal's duties to assistant or acting principal; duties of State-funded assistant principals.

§ 115C-289. Assignment of principal's duties to assistant or acting principal; duties of State-funded assistant principals.
(a) Any duty or responsibility assigned to a principal by statute, State Board of Education regulation, or by the superintendent may, with the approval of the local board of education, be assigned by the principal to an assistant principal designated by the local board of education or to an acting principal designated by a principal.
(b) All persons employed as assistant principals in State-allotted positions, or as assistant principals in full-time positions regardless of funding source, in the public schools of the State or in schools receiving public funds, shall, in addition to other applicable requirements, be required either to hold or be qualified to hold a principal's certificate or a provisional assistant principal's certificate in compliance with applicable law and in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education. It shall be unlawful for any board of education to employ or keep in service any assistant principal who neither holds nor is qualified to hold a principal's certificate or a provisional assistant principal's certificate in compliance with applicable law and in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education. Persons who hold a provisional assistant principal's certificate and who are employed as assistant principals shall be employed under G.S. 115C-287.1(h).
(c) Repealed by Session Laws 1991, c. 689, s. 200(b).
(d) Assistant principals paid from State funds shall not have regularly assigned teaching duties. (1977, c. 539; 1981, c. 423, s. 1; 1987, c. 328; c. 830, s. 89(c); 1991, c. 689, s. 200(b); 1999-30, s. 2.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 19 - Principals and Supervisors. › § 115C-289.1 - Supervisor duty to report; intimidation of school employee.

§ 115C-289.1. Supervisor duty to report; intimidation of school employee.
(a) When a supervisor of a school employee has actual notice that the school employee has been the victim of an assault by a student in violation of G.S. 14-33(c)(6) resulting in physical injury, as that term is defined in G.S. 14-34.7, the supervisor shall immediately report to the principal the assault against the school employee. For the purpose of this subsection, the term "supervisor of a school employee" does not include the principal or superintendent.
(b) A principal, superintendent, or supervisor of a school employee shall not, by threats or in any other manner, intimidate or attempt to intimidate that school employee from reporting to law enforcement an assault by a student under G.S. 14-33(c)(6).
(c) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to interfere with the due process rights of school employees or the privacy rights of students. (2012-149, s. 8.)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 20 - Teachers. › § 115C-295 - Minimum age and license prerequisites.

§ 115C-295. Minimum age and license prerequisites.
(a) All teachers employed in the public schools of the State or in schools receiving public funds, shall be required either to hold or be qualified to hold a license in compliance with the provision of the law or in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education: Provided, that nothing herein shall prevent the employment of temporary personnel under such rules as the State Board of Education may prescribe: Provided further, that no person shall be employed to teach who is under 18 years of age.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any board of education to employ or keep in service any teacher who neither holds nor is qualified to hold a license in compliance with the provision of the law or in accordance with the regulations of the State Board of Education.
(c) This section shall not prohibit the employment of individuals exempted from licensure under G.S. 115C-270.21. (1955, c. 1372, art. 18, ss. 1, 4; 1975, c. 437, s. 7; c. 731, ss. 1, 2; 1981, c. 423, s. 1; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 975, s. 16; 2018-7, s. 2(b).)
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 20 - Teachers. › § 115C-296.3 - Expired June 30, 2004, by operation of Session Laws 2003-284, s7.20(h).

§ 115C-296.3: Expired June 30, 2004, by operation of Session Laws 2003-284, s. 7.20(h).
2023 North Carolina General Statutes › Chapter 115C - Elementary and Secondary Education › Article 20 - Teachers. › § 115C-296.5 - North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching; powers and duties of trustees; reporting requirement.

§ 115C-296.5. North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching; powers and duties of trustees; reporting requirement.
(a) The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (hereinafter called "NCCAT"), through itself or agencies with which it may contract, shall:
(1) Provide career teachers with opportunities to study advanced topics in the sciences, arts, and humanities and to engage in informed discourse, assisted by able mentors and outstanding leaders from all walks of life; and
(2) Offer opportunities for teachers to engage in scholarly pursuits through a center dedicated exclusively to the advancement of teaching as an art and as a profession.
(b) Priority for admission to NCCAT opportunities shall be given to teachers with teaching experience of 15 years or less.
(c) NCCAT may also provide training and support for beginning teachers to enhance their skills and in support of the State's effort to recruit and retain beginning teachers.
(d) The Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching shall hold all the powers and duties necessary or appropriate for the effective discharge of the functions of NCCAT.
(e) The Executive Director shall submit a copy of the NCCAT annual report to the Chair of the State Board of Education at the time of issuance. (1985, c. 479, s. 74; 2006-66, s. 9.15(a); 2009-451, ss. 9.13(b), (c).)