NOTICE OF SECTION 504 PARENTAL AND STUDENT RIGHTS
Perquimans County Schools comply with federal legislation and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which ensures a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to each disabled student. Under the Act, anyone who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity including but not limited to learning, walking, breathing, eating, and seeing may be considered disabled.
The school district has a responsibility to identify, evaluate and provide appropriate educational services for all students eligible as disabled under Section 504.
We want to make sure that parents and students are informed of their rights under Section 504:
1. You have the right to be informed of your rights under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
2. You have the right to receive notification regarding identification, evaluation or educational placement under Section 504.
3. You have the right to have input in the development of your child’s Section 504 Plan.
4. You have the right to review all relevant records and have any inaccurate or misleading information amended.
5. Your child has the right to be educated with nondisabled peers, to the maximum extent.
6. Your child has the right to a free, appropriate public education designed to meet his/her educational needs.
7. Your child has a right to an evaluation prior to an Initial Section 504 Placement and any subsequent significant change in placement. You also have the right to request such an evaluation.
8. Evaluation and placement decisions must be made by a group of persons (Section 504 Committee), including person’s knowledgeable about your child, the interpretation of the evaluation data, placement options, and the legal requirements for the least restrictive environment.
9. If your child is found Section 504 eligible, they have the right to periodic formal and informal reevaluations, at least every three years.
10. You have the right to file a grievance if you believe that your child is being discriminated against on the basis of a disability. A grievance of complaint may be filed with the Section 504 Coordinator for Perquimans County Schools:
Dr. Kanika Greer Griffin, Section 504 Coordinator
Perquimans County Schools
411 Edenton Road Street
Hertford, North Carolina 27944
kgriffin@pqschools.org
252-426-5741 ext. 230
Please contact the school principal for questions or concerns regarding your child’s education. For additional information regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, please contact Kanika Griffin, Section 504 Coordinator of Perquimans County Schools at 252-426-5741 or by email at kgriffin@pqschools.org
11. You have the right to an impartial due process hearing in regard to your child’s identification, evaluation, or educational placement under Section 504. You and your child may take part in the hearing and be represented by counsel, if you choose to hire one. To do so, you should file a written Notice of Appeal with the Assistant Superintendent after you receive written notice of the Section 504 Committee’s actions.
12. You also have a right to file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights.
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1475
Telephone: 202-453-6020
FAX: 202-453-6021; TDD: 877-521-2172
Email: orc.dc@ed.gov
In compliance with federal law, Perquimans County Schools administers all educational programs, employment activities, and admissions without discrimination because of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, color, age, military service, disability, or gender, except where exemption is appropriate and allowed by law.
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