Parents seek answers about school rights and choices

What families can request, record, and do if they want another educational setting.

Parents of more than a half-dozen children have contacted WCAB News seeking clarity about school notification requirements, expressing frustration and weighing other educational options.

Their questions followed the Sept. 28 arrest of a Chase Middle School math teacher, first reported by WCAB News.

Some families are considering enrolling their children in charter schools or homeschooling. One parent said they're considering a private religious school. Others want clearer communication and support while their children remain in the Rutherford County Schools public school system.

Chase Middle School staff seeking to help students and keep families connected face limits on what they can disclose about personnel matters and an ongoing criminal investigation.

“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities,” Rutherford County Schools said in its public statement. Officials said they were cooperating with law enforcement.

Here is what North Carolina law allows families to do.

Ask for information about your child

Parents can ask who is teaching their child, what support is available, what safeguards are in place and whether officials suspect their child was affected.

Parents also have rights to access their child’s education records, subject to applicable laws and exceptions.

School staff can discuss educational needs and available resources even when they cannot discuss confidential investigative details.

Understand when notification is required

The Parents’ Bill of Rights requires prompt notification when a state employee suspects a criminal offense has been committed against a parent’s child.

The exception requires both an initial report to law enforcement or child welfare authorities and circumstances in which notifying the parent would impede the investigation.

The law does not establish a blanket requirement to announce every employee arrest to every family. Parents may reasonably want broader communication, but that expectation and the specific legal requirement are different questions.

Request public employment information

Personnel confidentiality does not cover everything. State law makes specified employment information public, including an employee’s current position and assignment and the date and type of a suspension or separation. Other personnel records generally remain confidential.

Record conversations you participate in

North Carolina is a one-party consent state. Parents generally may record their meetings.

Raise concerns in writing

The parents who contacted WCAB News expressed fear of retaliation. That does not establish that retaliation occurred.

State law prohibits retaliation for making certain required educator misconduct reports.

Parents concerned about specific conduct can preserve messages, document incidents and use the district’s applicable complaint process.

Request another district school

Families can seek reassignment within Rutherford County Schools. Obtain a Request for School Reassignment form and submit it to the office of the school the child is zoned to attend based on the home address. Approval is not automatic.

Parents generally provide transportation for discretionary reassignments. Families should also ask about any athletics restrictions.

The district’s parent guide provides instructions.

Apply to a charter school

Charter schools are public schools of choice and generally do not charge tuition to eligible North Carolina residents.

Use DPI’s charter school map, then contact schools directly about grades served, openings, applications, and transportation. A waiting list or lottery may apply.

Explore private schools and scholarships

Find schools through the state’s private school directory. Ask about admissions, tuition, fees and midyear openings.

The Opportunity Scholarship helps eligible families pay tuition and required fees at participating schools. Visit the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority for information.

School admission and scholarship applications are separate. Neither an application nor admission guarantees financial assistance.

Join or establish a home school

Families generally must register a home school with the Division of Non-Public Education for children of compulsory attendance age.

Review the homeschool requirements and submit a Notice of Intent. DNPE directs parents to wait for acknowledgment before withdrawing their child. Parents then are responsible for instruction, required records, and annual testing.

Questions can be emailed to DNPE.General.Inquiries@doa.nc.gov.

Consider availability alongside choice

The nonpartisan John Locke Foundation School Choice analysis describes growing interest in alternatives while noting capacity limits.

Families can compare academic programs, support, safety procedures, transportation, and costs before making a change. Those choosing to remain at Chase Middle can continue working with staff while requesting clear answers about their child’s education and well-being.