QUICK FACTS

SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY

Student Safety

The 2007-08 Annual Statewide Report on School Crime and Violence found that school violence figures increased 1 percent from 11,013 in 2006-07 to 11,276. The rate per 1,000 students went from 7.77 acts per 1,000 students in 2006-07 to 7.85 in 2007-08. It's important to note that 40 percent (983 schools) of all schools reported no acts of crime and violence and 36 percent (886 schools) of all schools reported five or fewer acts. As in most years, three possession-related crimes were the most frequent acts. These are possession of a controlled substance, possession of a weapon excluding firearms and powerful explosives and possession of an alcoholic beverage. These three acts made up 86 percent of all reported acts.

Forty-five North Carolina public schools were recognized Feb. 26 and 27 as "2007-08 Super Safe Schools" for providing a safe learning environment for children and educators. The Triple "S" School Award was established by the DPI to recognize public schools that go above and beyond in their efforts to ensure the safety of students and staff.

In October 2006, the North Carolina State Board of Education approved statewide nutrition standards for school meals, a la carte foods, and beverages and items served in the After School Snack Program. The nutrition standards will promote gradual changes to increase fruits and vegetables and whole grain products, and to decrease foods high in total fat, trans fat, saturated fat and sugar. The nutrition standards are to be implemented in elementary schools by the end of the 2007-08 school year.

In addition, 62 elementary schools across the state are participating in the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program thanks to an almost $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This is the sixth consecutive year North Carolina has been awarded the grant, which enables schools to serve a wide variety of free fresh fruits and vegetables by providing fruit baskets inside the classroom, kiosks in the hallways, and other innovative approaches to give students the opportunity to grab a fresh fruit or vegetable snack throughout the school day. Participation in this program also promotes a healthier school environment.

North Carolina 2007 Session law requires all local boards of education to adopt, implement and enforce a written policy that prohibits use of all tobacco products by any person in public school buildings, on public school campuses, and in or on any other school property owned or operated by the school district. The policy also prohibits use of all tobacco products by persons attending school-sponsored events at other locations when students or school personnel are present. This policy must be in place no later than August 1, 2008.

Facility Funding

In 1996, North Carolina residents approved a $1.8 billion state bond issue based on an earlier survey of public school facility needs. However, in 2005, a new survey was conducted. Instead of showing diminishing needs, local school systems identified $9.8 billion in current and projected facility needs.