(A) The Board of Commissioners recognizes that the quality education of students within Davidson County is essential to the enhancement of the overall general welfare of the citizenry of Davidson County and that the knowledge of the citizens is necessary to good government and to the happiness of mankind. The presence of excellent and dedicated teachers in schools in Davidson County is extremely important and valuable to the proper education and training of students in the schools in Davidson County and the health, welfare and general condition of the citizens of Davidson County. Further, the Board of Commissioners finds that there exists a need to attract quality teachers for the schools which serve the citizens of Davidson County. In particular, the Board of Commissioners recognizes that many individuals do not pursue employment as a teacher in the schools because of the disparity between the salaries of school teachers and the salaries of persons in other professions or employment. Additionally, residents of Davidson County have a unique familiarity with the economic, social and cultural environment of Davidson County and the presence of such persons as teachers in schools in Davidson County will facilitate the education of public school students in Davidson County. The Board of Commissioners declares that the adequate education of the students of Davidson County is a recognized object of County government and that well-educated and trained teachers for the school students in Davidson County should be encouraged by Davidson County government.
(B) This chapter is intended to encourage residents of Davidson County who attend or will attend post-secondary institutions to teach students in schools in Davidson County by offering and funding scholarships for qualified students at postsecondary institutions to help defray tuition and other expenses associated with attending such institutions. Recipients of these scholarships will be required to enter into a contract with Davidson County to perform obligations including, but not limited to, obtaining the necessary training and certifications to teach in the schools in North Carolina and in Davidson County and seeking, obtaining and maintaining employment as teachers in approved schools in Davidson County. This chapter is not intended and shall not be construed to interfere with the personnel policies of any school or school system or the employment relationship between a recipient and any school and shall not require any school or school system to hire or retain any recipient. Because scholarship recipients will be required to enter into a contract with Davidson County, the application and award process is designed to assure that recipients possess the legal capacity to contract with Davidson County.
(C) The Board of Commissioners recognizes and intends that every applicant and recipient must be assured and accorded due process of law in the application and award process. It is intended that no decision regarding an application or award or rescission or revocation of an award shall be made in an arbitrary or capricious manner. Further, no scholarship shall be rescinded or revoked by Davidson County or the Board of Commissioners without affording the recipient a fair and adequate hearing to contest such rescission or revocation.
(D) This chapter is intended to award scholarships only to high school seniors who have been accepted into a post-secondary institution, those currently attending a post-secondary institution, approved Dual Bachelor’s-Master’s of Arts in Teaching Program, or recent graduates of post-secondary education programs which comply with the requirements of G.S. Chapter 115C for compliance with the compulsory school attendance laws of North Carolina and is not intended to encourage any person to violate or circumvent such laws. The scholarships are intended to be generally allocated among residents of Davidson County who are seniors in or have graduated from county school administrative units, city school administrative units, private schools or home schools. The Scholarship Program created by this chapter is not intended to be a “needs-based” program. Therefore, no scholarships shall be awarded based upon the financial need or condition of an applicant and accordingly Davidson County will neither solicit nor consider financial information regarding an applicant.
(E) Davidson County will comply with the Open Meetings Law and Public Records Law of North Carolina in the administration of the Scholarship Program. To the extent permitted or required by law, Davidson County will endeavor to protect confidential information submitted by applicants.
(F) The Board of Commissioners intends that the needs of the schools shall be considered by the Scholarship Review Committee in awarding scholarships.
(G) This Scholarship Program shall be funded by donations and by local revenues.
(Ord. passed 3-9-04; Am. Ord. passed 4-22-08; Ord. passed 8-25-15; Ord. passed 1-10-17)