NC H866

Transfers governance and operation of three residential schools (Governor Morehead School for the Blind, Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf, and North Carolina School for the Deaf) from the Department of Health and Human Services to the State Board of Education.

Repeals Parts 9A and 30 of Article 3 of Chapter 143B of the General Statutes that previously governed these schools under DHHS oversight.

Establishes new Article 9C of Chapter 115C requiring the State Board to adopt rules for student conduct, academic discipline, and fees while creating Student Rights Advisory Committees at each school with parents, students, and disability community representatives.

Appropriates $480,856 to the Department of Public Instruction for restoration of principal positions at each school ($255,708) and two Program Administrator positions plus one Administrative Assistant ($225,148).

Maintains DHHS responsibility for building maintenance, utilities, and information technology support for the residential schools, with option for State Board to assume these functions through memorandum of understanding; funding becomes effective July 1, 2011.