JG – Student Welfare

Descriptor Code:
JG Student Welfare

CUSTODIAL RIGHTS/PARENTAL PARTICIPATION

I: General Policy Statement

The Cherokee County Board of Education encourages parental contact and participation in school related activities unless specifically prohibited by custodial arrangements or court orders.

II: Definitions

A. Enrolling Parent - the parent/guardian, whose parental rights have not been terminated, who actually enrolled the child or children in school and executed all necessary documents for school attendance. In all cases specified herein, the custodial parent or guardian will supersede the rights of the enrolling parent.
B. Custodial Parent - the parent, whose parental rights have not been terminated, who has been awarded sole custody, primary custody, or educational decision-making authority of the child or children by a Court of competent jurisdiction. In order to be considered the custodial parent, the school must have on file a certified copy of the Order or Orders preferring custody.
C. Guardian –a non-parent who has been declared the legal guardian of a child by a Court of competent jurisdiction. In order to be considered the guardian of a child or children, the school must have on file a certified copy of the Temporary Order or Permanent Orders preferring guardianship. Attorney in Fact - the holder of a duly executed power of attorney recognized by School Board Policy JBC.

III: Parental Participation

Unless specifically ordered by a Court of competent jurisdiction, a certified copy of which is maintained on file with the school, the School District will allow each parent/guardian/attorney in fact an opportunity to participate in school related activities, including but not limited to:

1.  PTA;
2. school lunches;
3. student programs;
4. parent/teacher conferences;
5. award ceremonies; and 
6. field trips.

Access to school will be denied upon presentation of an affidavit by the guardian, custodial or enrolling parent, which in the principal's opinion provides sufficient facts to exhibit the threat of a disruption of the learning environment if access to the school is allowed.

IV: Release of Students

Schools will not release students to individuals other than Custodial Parent(s)/ Guardian(s)/Enrolling Parent(s)/Attorney in Fact without written permission from the Custodial Parent(s)/Guardian(s)/ Enrolling Parent(s)/Attorney in Fact. It is the responsibility of the Custodial Parent(s)/ Guardian(s)/Enrolling Parent(s)/Attorney in Fact to notify the school when their child will be picked up or checked out by anyone other than those previously designated in the child's records.

V: Parental Inspection of Student Records

Access to student records will be granted in compliance with School Board Policy JR, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and O.C.G.A. § 20-2-720.

ADOPTED: August 2, 2001       REVISED: July 18, 2019