Describes some of the features of North Carolina's communicable-disease laws and regulations focusing on the problem of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that is the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Addresses students and HIV, employees and HIV, and confidentiality. (MLF)

In Fox River Grove, Illinois, 7 teenagers were killed the morning of October 25, 1995, when a 620-ton commuter train crashed into the rear end of their school bus. School, transportation, and safety officials have focused on three areas: train crossings and signals, bus-driver training, and school-bus construction. Lists 10 vital lessons for…

In the event of a natural disaster, community medical and disaster resources might not be available. It is essential that school boards make disaster preparedness a priority and then leave the actual planning to principals, teachers, and students. Outlines the basic elements of a plan and lists disaster and first-aid supplies for schools and…

Surplus school property must be carefully managed to provide districts with a long-term revenue source. Asset management plans are comprehensive programs to address the long-term revenue and facility needs of school districts. Outlines five basic steps for successfully implementing an asset management plan. (MLF)

Multicultural education has at least two faces--an academic one and an ideological one. Encouraging the balkanization of U.S. culture threatens to undermine the academic integrity of the social studies curriculum. Offers suggestions to make sure that schools are offering an academically rigorous multicultural curriculum, not political…

A Portland, Oregon, program for dealing with gang activity required school policy changes that (1) prohibit gang markings; (2) state that school lockers and desks are the possession of the school system and subject to unannounced checks; and (3) establish guidelines with the press in covering the gang problem. (MLF)

Medically fragile children need special supervision and care. Educators' concerns center on the time it takes to perform needed services, adequate preparation, and potential liability. Offers nine guidelines that address the needs of medically fragile children while minimizing the threats of liability. A related page summarizes issues raised by…

Most of the data on the outcomes and effects of school uniforms come from elementary and middle schools. In many cases, school uniforms are only one part of an overall reform effort. More research is needed. Offers suggestions to help schools work on developing school-uniform policies and summarizes the legal view. (15 references) (MLF)

Tightened budgets and more decentralized governance of education demand greater effectiveness of state boards of education, departments of education, and chief state school officers, and offer them new opportunities for leadership. State boards have broad authority to make policy, though their significance is often underestimated. Researchers…

The school review model is used by the Metropolitan Separate School Board of Toronto (Ontario) to determine, in a positive and supportive manner, the extent to which policies, procedures, and practices have been implemented in the local schools to achieve the Board's goals and objectives. The following areas are reviewed: (1) the Catholic school…

These recommendations for school boards to solve the problems of at-risk youth accompany a report that provides background on the problem, discusses policy implications, and provides examples of strategies for helping at-risk students. The following recommendations are suggested: (1) awaken communities to the danger of ignoring the needs of…

This handbook is intended to assist Ohio school district officials in taking all necessary and reasonable means to alleviate racial imbalances which may be present among pupils or staff. First, court rulings on segregation since 1954 are analyzed. Aspects particularly related to school district policy are highlighted. School district actions…

Positive school-media relations are essential if schools are to expect an "understanding press" during crucial periods. Recommendations for developing and maintaining such relations fall into 10 areas, including school boards' establishing a firm media relations policy, appointing a board spokesman, creating a "game plan" for media dealings, and…

The first part of this publication delineates, in capsule form, the responsibilities of superintendents and other members of an administrative team. Thereafter, seven basic principles are presented that contribute to a sound, productive relationship between school boards and administrators: (1) a specific written description of administrators'…

This booklet provides a practical guide for schools to use to help involve parents and citizens in the educational system. It is provided as a resource for Michigan school districts. Schools play a key role in the involvement of parents and citizens in three major areas: (1) communicating with all parties to ensure support and understanding; (2)…