PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2022
The Chair called the meeting to order and read the following call:
HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD
Parish of St. John the Baptist
Dear Board Member:
Upon call of the President, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will meet in regular session at Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria (Board Meeting Room), 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely, s/Rebecca Johnson
Interim Superintendent/Secretary
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and called for a moment of silence (Mr. Triche led the Lord’s Prayer), followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Mitchell-Williams asked that we keep the family of Ms. Denese Washington, who recently passed away, in our prayers and also all those who are going through or have survived breast cancer.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
ABSENT: Burl, Sanders
There were 9 members present and 2 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ITEM 3a. Public Comment. Meeting of: September 15, 2022
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meeting of: September 15, 2022
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Burl, Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Mrs. Johnson gave the following report:
Mr. Burl arrived at 6:05 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 6a. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Request approval of Revised Policy: IDDFA – Special Education Advisory Council
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy IDDFA – Special Education Advisory Council
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
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IDDFA: SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
LEGEND
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The Superintendent, prior to January 1, 2020, shall create a St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Special Education Advisory Council, which shall provide advice and recommendations regarding special education policies, procedures, and resources. The council shall also engage in outreach activities to the community at large to increase the level of knowledge, support, and collaboration with respect to special education.
The number of council members and composition of the council shall be determined by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall appoint the council members in accordance with the following statutory requirements:
1 Except as included herein, fifty percent (50%) of the membership shall be parents or legal guardians of students with an exceptionality, other than gifted and talented, who are enrolled in a school under the jurisdiction of or who are receiving special education services from the public school governing authority School Board, none of whom shall be employees of the School Board. One high school student with an exceptionality, other than gifted and talented, and one person who represents an entity that serves students with disabilities or families of students with disabilities and who is not an employee of the School Board may be counted to meet the requirement.
2. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership shall be teachers, principals, or paraprofessionals.
2. Twenty-five percent (25%) At least ten percent (10%) of the membership shall be other special education stakeholders who are not represented by council members selected under the provisions of 1 and 3 hereof.
3. At least one member shall be a teacher, principal, or paraprofessional who serves students with disabilities and who works in a school under the jurisdiction of the School Board.
In selecting council members, an effort shall be made to include parents of students in elementary, middle, and high school grades.
A council should be comprised of at least eight (8) members. If a council has fewer than eight members, the Superintendent shall provide an explanation of his/her decision to establish a council with fewer than eight (8) members. The explanation shall be provided to the council, and the council shall include it as an addendum to the report required below.
The Superintendent shall designate the chairperson of the council. The chairperson shall be responsible for calling the council’s meetings, preside over the meetings, and establish the agendas for the meetings, all in consultation with the Superintendent.
The Special Education Advisory Council shall meet at least three (3) times during a school year. Minutes shall be taken of the proceedings of all Special Education Advisory Council meetings. A written report shall be prepared by the Special Education Advisory Council and submitted to the Superintendent in May of each year regarding its activities. The Superintendent shall ensure that the report is posted on the School Board's website, and all such reports shall be submitted to the state Department of Education.
No liability or cause of action against the public school district, public charter school or other public school, or any officer or employee thereof for any action taken by members of the Special Education Advisory Council.
New policy: February 13, 2020
Revised: August, 2022
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:1944.1, 42:12, 42:13, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:17, 42:19, 42:20 42:24, 42:25; Board minutes, 2-13-20.
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ITEM 6b. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Request approval of New Policy: IDDFC – Cameras in Special Education Classrooms (Executive Committee Recommended Approval 10-05-2022)
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve New Policy: IDDFC – Cameras in Special Education Classrooms (Executive Committee Recommended Approval 10-05-2022)
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
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NEW POLICY - IDDFC: CAMERAS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION CLASSROOMS
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall develop procedures pursuant to this policy, and upon approval of such request, and receipt of funding, shall install and operate the cameras, for the installation and operation of cameras that record both video and audio in special education classrooms, in accordance with state law, and the policy and procedures of the School Board.
For purposes of this policy, classroom shall mean a self-contained classroom or other special education setting in which a majority of students in regular attendance are provided special education and related services and are assigned to one or more self-contained classrooms or other special education settings for at least fifty percent (50%) of the instructional day and for which a parent or legal guardian has requested a camera to be installed. Classroom shall not mean special education classrooms and other special education settings where the only students with exceptionalities receiving special education and related services are those who have been deemed to be gifted or talented and have not been identified as also having a disability.
The School Board shall ensure/provide:
1. Proper location and placement of cameras. The recording of the interior of a restroom or any area designated for students to change or remove clothing shall be prohibited.
2. Written notice of the placement of the cameras shall be provided to persons who enter a classroom where a camera is installed, including teachers and other school employees, students in the classroom, the students' parents and legal guardians, and authorized visitors.
3. Training concerning the provisions of this policy for any teacher or other school employee who provides services in a classroom where cameras are installed.
4. Procedures for proper retention, storage, and disposal of the video and audio data recorded. Recordings shall be retained for at least one month from the recording date.
5. Protection of student privacy and development of procedures for determining to whom and under what circumstances the recordings may be disclosed including:
A. Limiting viewing of the recordings to the Superintendent or his/her designee and the parent or legal guardian of a recorded student upon request.
B. Requiring any person who views a recording and who suspects the recordings show a violation of state or federal law to report the suspected violation to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
6. Each camera installed shall be in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association's Life Safety Code.
7. Procedures for the approval or disapproval of a request for the installation and operation of cameras in a classroom.
8. Procedures regarding how a parent or legal guardian may request to review a recording, under what circumstances a request may be made, and any limitations to a request.
9. Procedures regarding how a parent or legal guardian may request the installation and operation of cameras in his child's classroom.
Recordings made pursuant to this policy shall be confidential and shall not be public record. However, a recording may be viewed by the Superintendent or his/her designee, the parent or legal guardian of a recorded student, or by law enforcement officials as provided in the policies required by item number 5 above.
The recordings shall not be considered "personally identifiable information" as defined in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:3914.
New policy: August, 2022
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:1948.
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ITEM 6c. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Request approval of New Policy: JM – Student Voter Registration (Executive Committee Recommended Approval 10-05-2022)
Public Comment: Shondrell Perrilloux
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve Revised New Policy: JM – Student Voter Registration (Executive Committee Recommended Approval 10-05-2022)
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
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NEW POLICY: JM - STUDENT VOTER REGISTRATION
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall provide an opportunity for each high school senior who is at least seventeen (17) years old to register to vote by using a school computer to fill out an electronic voter registration application or by using the state mail voter registration application form.
No political or partisan group or organization shall be allowed to participate in the registration process.
New policy: July, 2022
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:2119.
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TEM 6d. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of New Policy: JQE – Expectant and Parenting Students
This item was for introductory purposes.
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JQE - EXPECTANT AND PARENTING STUDENTS
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is cognizant of the problems of marriage, pregnancy and parenthood among students prior to their graduation from high school. The School Board authorizes the Superintendent to assure that such students have the opportunity to earn the education which they deserve.
It is recommended that a student who becomes pregnant shall notify the principal or guidance counselor in writing immediately upon knowledge of the condition. Pregnant students will be permitted to continue in school in all instances when continued attendance has the sanction of the expectant mother's physician. A physician's statement shall be submitted stating the student's medical condition, approval for continued attendance, and activities in which the student may not participate. The student shall keep the school administration continually apprised of her progress. The school shall not be held responsible for any medical problems that may arise with a pregnant student while she is in school.
Should the student need to be absent from school for a prolonged period of time, the student may enroll in the School Board’s homebound instruction program until released by her physician to return to regular classes. Any student who is not able to return to regular classes shall be encouraged to enroll in an appropriate alternative education program.
Marital, maternal, or paternal status shall not affect the rights and privileges of students to receive a public education nor to take part in any extracurricular activity offered by the schools.
After delivery, the student shall be permitted to return to school as soon as she is physically able, upon certification by her physician.
In regard to each expectant and parenting high school student, each school and the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall:
1. Maintain confidentiality in regard to the student.
2. Ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for the student.
3. Promote academic success for the student.
4. Utilize sensible attendance policies, taking into account all necessary factors.
5. Provide a supportive school environment that promotes high school graduation.
6. Excuse absences due to conditions related to pregnancy or parenting, including but not limited to labor, delivery, and recovery; prenatal and postnatal medical appointments and other medically necessary pregnancy-related absences; a child's illness or medical appointment; and legal appointments related to pregnancy or parenting, including but not limited to adoption, custody, and visitation.
7. Provide at least ten (10) days of excused absences for both a parenting mother and a parenting father after the birth of a child.
8. At the conclusion of any pregnancy-related or parenting-related period of absence, allow a student to make up missed work in a reasonable amount of time that shall not be less than the number of days the student was absent and choose from various options to make up the work, including retaking a semester, participating in an online course credit recovery program, being granted six (6) weeks to continue at the same pace and finish at a later date, or receiving home-based instruction services.
9. Provide that for absences or checkouts for reasons provided above, a school shall accept either of the following:
A. Documentation from a physician.
B. Permission from a parent or legal guardian.
BREASTFEEDING
The high schools of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall:
1. Provide for reasonable accommodations for a lactating student on a school campus to express breast milk, breastfeed, or address other breastfeeding needs, which shall include, at a minimum:
A. Access to a private and secure room other than a restroom to express breast milk or breastfeed a child.
B. Permission to bring a breast pump and any other equipment used to express breast milk to school.
C. Access to a power source for a breast pump or any other equipment used to express breast milk.
D. Access to a place to store breastmilk safely.
2. Provide that a lactating student shall be provided a reasonable amount of time to accommodate the need to express breast milk or breastfeed a child while at school.
3. Provide that a student shall not incur an academic penalty as a result of use, during the school day, of the reasonable accommodations specified herein and shall be provided the opportunity to make up any work missed due to such use.
CHILD CARE
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall provide both high school student mothers and student fathers information regarding availability of child care options within (if available) and outside the school system, and shall provide them assistance in identifying child care providers.
New policy: July, 2022
Ref: US Constitution, Amend. XIV, '1, 20 USC '1681 et seq. (Discrimination Based on Sex or Blindness); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221.7, 17:221.8; Cleveland Board of Education v. LaFleur, 94 S.Ct. 791 (1974); Davis v. Meeks, 344 F.Supp. 298 (N.D. Ohio 1972); Holt v. Shelton, 371 F.Supp. 821 (M.D. Tenn. 1972).
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ITEM 6e. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Revised Policy: JCDB Dress Code
This item was for introductory purposes.
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JCDB - DRESS CODE
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The policy of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall be that no mode of attire shall be considered proper for school wear that distracts from or disrupts classroom and school decorum. In questions regarding student dress and grooming, the principals of each school will make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress.
DRESS AND PERSONAL GROOMING
Student dress and grooming are not to adversely affect the students' participation in classes, school programs, other school‑related activities or detract from the learning environment of the school. Extremes in style and fit in student dress and extremes in style of grooming will not be permitted. Administrators are authorized to use their discretion in determining extremes in styles of dress and grooming and what is appropriate and suitable for school wear. Policies regarding dress and grooming stress the importance of reducing distractions that inhibit learning and are addressed as an attempt to enhance the learning environment.
The School Board shall not exclude a student on account of a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle. Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle shall include, but is not limited to, afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.
NOTIFICATION
Each school shall notify the parent or guardian of each student of the dress code specifications and their effective date. Each school shall include in its official student handbook the uniform policy/dress code for students. The dress code shall be distributed in written form or posted on the school’s website annually.
If a school adopts a new uniform policy or modifies an existing uniform policy, it shall notify in writing the parent or guardian of each student of the policy adoption or uniform policy modification at least sixty (60) days prior to the effective date of the new or revised policy. Each school shall display any uniform selected for a reasonable period prior to the proposed effective date for wearing of the uniform.
However, nothing shall prohibit the School Board from requiring a new or revised dress code or uniform policy without the required notice in the event of an emergency. For the purposes of this policy, emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.
DRESS CODE
Any substantial complaint concerning the dress code shall be dealt with by the school administration.
In accordance with the above, all St. John the Baptist Parish schools’ dress codes shall adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Clothing should be so constructed and worn in such a manner that it is not unduly revealing. Halter tops, "tank tops", see-through garments, cut-off tops, midriff tops and other garments of this nature are not acceptable. All shirts, blouses, and other tops must exceed beltline with no waistline-skin exposed.
2. Shorts are not appropriate for school wear for boys and girls with the exception that unaltered, uniform shorts will be authorized.
3. Shirts and blouses are to be buttoned.
4. Hair shall be neat, clean and well-groomed.
5. Sundresses are not permitted in grades 7-12.
6. No article of clothing shall be worn that distracts from the educational process.
7. Articles of clothing associated with alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or drugs shall not be worn.
8. No article of clothing or accessories shall be worn that contains obscene, profane, or sex-related words or pictures.
9. No student shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, blade, symbols, sign or other things which are evidence of affiliation with violence or gang related activities.
10. Personal hygiene and cleanliness of dress are expected of all students.
11. Proper undergarments should be worn at all times.
12. Skirts should be at least to the knee.
13. Clothes shall not be skin-tight, form-fitting, nor contain holes.
ACCESSORIES
All students shall be required to use clear (see-through) book bags or completely mesh bags, except for such bags and packs which have bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury, and girls shall have purses no larger than 8" x 8".
BODY ARMOR
It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm-free zone, with limited exceptions as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9, which includes permitting a student to wear, carry, or possess a backpack on school property or a school bus that has bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities. A firearm-free zone means any area inclusive of any school campus and within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, and within a school bus, wherein the possession of firearms is prohibited, except as specifically set forth in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.2(C) and 14:95.6(B).
Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
Students who violate the dress code shall be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
A student enrolled in grades prekindergarten through five shall not be suspended or expelled from school or suspended from riding on any school bus for a uniform violation that is not tied to willful disregard of school policies.
Adopted: September, 1978 Revised: December, 2008
Revised: October, 1988 Revised: September 22, 2011
Revised: June, 1991 Revised: August, 2015
Revised: August, 1991 Revised: March 17, 2016
Revised: March, 1994 Revised: August 16, 2018
Revised: September, 1994 Revised: July, 2022
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.9, 17:81, 17:111, 17:416, 17:416.7; Scott v. Board of Education, 304 N.Y.S.S. 2d 601 (1969); Karr v. Schmidt; 460 F. 2d 609 (5th Cir. 1972); Board minutes, 8-4-88, 1-10-91, 3-21-91, 5-2-91, 3-3-94, 7-21-94, 10-2-08, 9-22-11, 3-17-16, 8-16-18.
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ITEM 6f. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Revised Policy: JDE Expulsion
This item was for introductory purposes.
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JDE - EXPULSION
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board may expel a student from school if an offense committed by the student is serious enough to warrant such action or is in violation of state law or the School Board’s code of conduct. Prior to any expulsion the school principal or his/her designee shall advise the student of the particular misconduct of which he/she is accused as well as the basis for such accusation, and the student shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his/her version of the facts. The principal/designee shall contact the parent or legal guardian of the student to notify them of the expulsion, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the student. Notice shall be given by contacting the parent or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the student's registration card, or by electronic communication and additionally by a certified letter sent to the address shown on the student's registration card. If the parent or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of notification, the truancy laws shall be effective.
Upon the recommendation for expulsion of a student by the principal, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall conduct a hearing shall be conducted by the Superintendent or his/her designee within fifteen (15) school days to determine the facts of the case and make a finding of whether or not the student is guilty of conduct warranting a recommendation of expulsion. The School Board shall provide written notice of the hearing to the student and his/her parent or legal guardian, and the notice shall advise the student and his/her parent or legal guardian of their rights. Notification of the time, date, and place of the expulsion hearing shall be mailed to the parents. Following the hearing, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall notify the parents of the decision rendered.
At the hearing, the principal and/or teacher concerned may be represented by any person appointed by the Superintendent and the concerned teacher shall be permitted to attend and present any relevant information. Until the hearing, the student shall remain suspended with access to classwork and the opportunity to earn academic credit. A student who is expelled for longer than ten (10) days shall be provided with academic instruction at an alternative setting in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:416.2.
Upon the conclusion of the hearing and upon finding the student guilty of conduct warranting expulsion, the Superintendent shall determine whether such student shall be expelled and the specified period of expulsion, or if other disciplinary action shall be taken. Unless otherwise stipulated by state statutes, the period of expulsion shall not be less than one school semester and may carry over into the next school year, if necessary. During an expulsion, the Superintendent shall place the student in an alternative school or in an alternative educational placement.
APPEALS
The parent or tutor legal guardian of the student who has been recommended for expulsion in accordance with state law may, within five (5) days after the decision to expel has been rendered, submit a request to the School Board to review the findings of the Superintendent or designee at a time set by the School Board; otherwise the decision of the Superintendent shall be final. If requested, as herein provided, and after reviewing the findings of the Superintendent or his/her designee, the School Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the action previously taken. The parent or tutor legal guardian of the student shall have such right of review even if the recommendation is reduced to a suspension.
The parent or tutor legal guardian of the student who has been recommended for expulsion in accordance with state law may, within ten (10) school days, appeal to the district court for the parish in which the student’s school is located, an adverse ruling of the School Board in upholding the action of the Superintendent or his/her designee. The court may reverse or revise the ruling of the School Board upon a finding that the ruling of the School Board was based on an absence of any relevant evidence in support thereof. The parent or tutor legal guardian of the student shall have such right to appeal to the district court even if the recommendation for expulsion is reduced to a suspension.
EXPULSION INVOLVING FIREARMS
Any student, age sixteen (16) or older, or under sixteen (16) and in grades six (6) through twelve (12), who is found guilty of being in possession of a firearm on school property, on a school bus or in actual possession at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of four (4) complete school semesters and shall be referred to the district attorney for appropriate action.
Any student in kindergarten through grade five (5) who is found guilty of being in possession of a firearm on school property, on a school bus, or in actual possession at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of two (2) complete school semesters and shall be referred to the district attorney for appropriate action.
However, the Superintendent, however, may modify the length of the minimum expulsion required in the above paragraphs on a case-by-case basis, provided such modification is in writing.
EXPULSION INVOLVING DRUGS
Any student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of four (4) complete school semesters.
Any student who is under sixteen (16) years of age and in grades six (6) through twelve (12) and who is found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event pursuant to a hearing shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of two (2) complete school semesters.
Any case involving a student in kindergarten through grade five (5) found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be referred to the School Board through a recommendation for action from the Superintendent.
VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION
The provisions related to mandatory recommendation for expulsion shall not be applied to virtual instruction received by a student in the student's home.
ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR EXPULSION
Students may also be expelled for any of the following reasons:
1. Any student, after being suspended for committing violations of any discipline policies or other rule infractions, depending on the severity of the behavior, may be expelled upon recommendation to the Superintendent by the principal and after an appropriate hearing is held by the Superintendent or designee.
2. Any student who is found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade which equals or exceeds two and one-half (2 ½) inches in length.
3. In accordance with federal regulations, a student determined to have brought a weapon to a school under the School Board's jurisdiction shall be expelled for a minimum of one calendar year. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. A weapon, in accordance with federal statutes, means a firearm or any device which is designed to expel a projectile or any destructive device, which in turn means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine or similar device.
4. Any student, after being suspended on three (3) occasions for committing drugs or weapons offenses during the same school year, shall, upon committing the fourth offense, be expelled from all the public schools of the system until the beginning of the next regular school year, and the student's reinstatement shall be subject to the review and approval of the School Board.
5. The conviction of any student of a felony or the incarceration of any student in a juvenile institution for an act which had it been committed by an adult, would have constituted a felony, may be cause for expulsion of the student for a period of time as determined by the School Board; such expulsions shall require the vote of two-thirds ⅔ of the elected members of the School Board, shall not be for a period of time longer than the student's period of adjudication as determined by the applicable court presiding over the student's criminal matter, and shall run concurrent to the student's period of disposition. If the student was serving an expulsion period when the student was incarcerated for a separate offense and the student completes the period of incarceration with time left in the expulsion period, the Superintendent or his/her designee may require the student to serve the time left in the expulsion period.
EXPULSION NOT APPLICABLE
Expulsion shall not apply to the following:
1. A student carrying or possessing a firearm or knife for purposes of involvement in a school class, course, or school approved cocurricular or extracurricular activity or any other activity approved by appropriate school officials.
2. A student possessing any controlled dangerous substance that has been obtained directly or due to a valid prescription or order from a licensed physician medical provider. However, such the student shall carry evidence of that the prescription or physician's medical provider’s order on his/her person at all times when in possession of any controlled dangerous substance which shall be subject to verification. Evidence of the prescription or medical provider’s order includes possession of the controlled dangerous substance in its original packaging as received from the pharmacy.
In addition, school officials, in accordance with statutory provisions, shall have total discretion and shall exercise such discretion in imposing on a student any disciplinary actions authorized by state law for possession by a student of a firearm or knife on school property when such firearm or knife is stored in a motor vehicle and there is no evidence of the student's intent to use the firearm or knife in a criminal manner.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
A student enrolled in grades prekindergarten through five shall not be expelled from school for a uniform violation that is not tied to willful disregard of school policies.
READMITTANCE FOLLOWING EXPULSION
Required Parent Conference
In each case of expulsion, the school principal, or his or her designee, shall contact the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the student to notify them of the expulsion, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the student. Notice shall be given by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the student's registration card. Also, additional notification may be made by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the student's registration card.
If the parent, tutor, or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of notification, the student may be considered a truant and dealt with according to all applicable statutory provisions. On not more than one occasion each school year when the parents, tutor, or legal guardian refuses to respond, the principal may determine whether readmitting the student is in the best interest of the student. On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the student shall not be readmitted unless the parent, tutor, or legal guardian, court, or other appointed representative responds.
In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a student to attend a conference or meeting regarding the student's behavior and after notice, the parent, tutor, or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal or his or her designee shall file a complaint, in accordance with statutory provisions, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.
Readmittance After All Expulsions
Any student expelled may be readmitted to school on a probationary basis at any time during the expulsion period on such terms and conditions as may be stipulated by the School Board. Readmission to school on a probationary basis shall be contingent on the student and legal guardian or custodian agreeing in writing to the conditions stipulated. Any such agreement shall contain a provision for immediate removal of the student from school premises and returned to the school system’s alternative school setting without benefit of a hearing or other procedure upon the principal or Superintendent determining the student has violated any term or condition of the agreement. Immediately thereafter, the principal or designee shall provide proper notification in writing of the determination and reasons for removal to the Superintendent and the student's parent or legal guardian.
Readmittance After Expulsion for Firearms, Knives, Weapons, or Drugs
In addition to the readmittance provisions for all expulsions stated above, a pupil that has been expelled for possessing on school property or on a bus, a firearm, knife, or other dangerous weapon, or possessing or possession with intent to distribute or distributing, selling, giving, or loaning while on school property or a school bus any controlled dangerous substance may be readmitted to school on a probationary basis at any time during the specified period of expulsion contingent on the following:
1. In order to be readmitted to their any regular assigned public school, the student shall be required to attend an alternative education program at the redirection center for a minimum of nine (9) weeks, and can only be readmitted to their regular assigned school after the initial nine (9) week period upon recommendation and approval of the Superintendent under such terms and conditions as may be stipulated by the Superintendent and agreed to in writing by the student and the student's parent or person responsible for the student's school attendance.
2. If after the second nine (9) week period the student is not recommended to be readmitted to their any regular public school, the student may request the School Board to allow the student to be readmitted to their a regular public school upon terms and conditions set by the School Board and agreed to by the student and parent or other responsible person as stated above.
3. Any written agreement required for readmittance to the alternative school and/or the regular school shall include a provision that upon the school principal or Superintendent making a determination that the student has violated any term or condition agreed to, the student shall be immediately removed from the school premises without the benefit of any hearing or other procedure applicable to student suspensions and expulsions. As soon thereafter as possible, the principal or his designee shall provide verbal notice to the Superintendent of any such determination and also shall attempt to provide such verbal notice to the student's parent or other person responsible for the student's school attendance. The principal or his designee also shall provide written notice to the determination and the reasons therefore to the Superintendent and to the student's parents or other responsible person.
4. Readmission on a probationary basis as provided above shall not be applicable to any student found guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction or adjudicated a delinquent by a court of competent jurisdiction of a criminal violation of any provision of Title 14 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes which is related to the reason for the suspension, unless the judge finds otherwise.
A. In addition to any other limitation established by this policy on the admission of previously expelled pupils, no pupil who has been expelled for possessing on school property or on a school bus a firearm, knife, or other dangerous weapon or instrumentally customarily used or intended for probable use as a dangerous weapon, or for possessing, possessing with intent to distribute, or distributing, selling, giving, or loaning while on school property or on a school bus any controlled dangerous substance governed by the Uniformed Controlled Dangerous Substances Law shall be admitted until the pupil produces written documentation that he/she and his/her parent or legal guardian have enrolled and participated or is participating in an appropriate rehabilitation or counseling program related to the reason or reasons for the pupil's expulsion.
B. The rehabilitation or counseling required by this policy shall be provided by existing or new programs approved by the juvenile or family court having jurisdiction, if applicable, or by the school system and shall be at no additional cost to the school system. Such rehabilitation or counseling programs may include the following components relative to successful programs, approaches, and activities for parental involvement which better equip parents to provide support for the education of their children:
(1) Enhancing parenting skills and expanding curriculum offerings relative to character development, the development of a healthy self esteem and sense of personal and social responsibility, violence prevention, and conflict resolution.
(2) Raising the educational level of the parents of public school students through instruction in basic skills.
(3) Improving developmental skills of students to prepare them for academic success.
(4) Providing a role model for the child through parental interest in education.
(5) Enabling parents to become familiar with and comfortable in the school setting.
(6) Enhancing the relationship of the parent and child through planned, structured parent‑school interaction.
(7) Demonstrating to parents their power to affect their child's ability to learn.
C. The requirements stated here for enrollment and participation in a rehabilitation or counseling program may be waived by the school system upon a documented showing by the student that no appropriate program is available in the area or that the student cannot enroll or participate due to financial hardship.
6. The provisions governing readmission of students after expulsion shall be applicable to exceptional children provided special education services pursuant to Part I of Chapter 8 of Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statues to the maximum extent allowed by federal law and rules applicable to the education of exceptional students in the state (the IEP process).
Review of Records
A student who has been expelled from any school in or out of state shall not be admitted to a school in the school system except upon the review and approval of the School Board following the request for admission. To facilitate the review and approval for readmittance, the student shall provide to the School Board information on the dates of any expulsions and the reasons therefor. Additionally, the transfer of student records to any school or system shall include information on the dates of any expulsions and the reasons therefor.
CREDIT FOR SCHOOL WORK MISSED
A student who is expelled and receives educational services at an alternative school site shall be assigned work by a certified teacher and shall receive credit for school work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the teacher. Such work shall be aligned with the curriculum used at the school from which the student was expelled.
RECUSAL OF ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINE MATTERS
Any school administrator or administrator's designee who is required to make a recommendation, decide an issue, or take action in a matter involving the discipline of a student shall recuse himself/herself whenever a member of the immediate family of the administrator or administrator's designee is involved in any manner in the discipline matter. In case of recusal, the action to be taken shall be done so by the Superintendent or an impartial designee of the Superintendent.
Immediate family means the individual's children, brothers, sisters, parents, and spouse and the children, brothers, sisters, and parents of the spouse.
EXPULSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES OR EXCEPTIONALITIES
Expulsion of students with disabilities or exceptionalities, or an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Individualized Accommodation Plan, shall be in accordance with to the extent allowed by applicable state or federal law and regulations or the provisions of the student’s specific plan.
DEFINITIONS
Definitions of terms used herein shall have the meaning set forth in policy JD, Discipline.
Revised: October, 1995 Revised: July, 2021
Revised: July, 1996 Revised: July, 2022
Revised: September, 1997
Revised: August, 1999
Revised: August, 2003
Revised: August, 2007
Revised: September, 2008
Revised: October 15, 2009
Revised: March 21, 2013
Revised: March 17, 2016
Revised: December 10, 2020
Ref: 18 USC 921 (Firearms – Definitions); 20 USC 7151 (Gun-Free Schools Act); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:223, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.2, 17:2092; Goss v. Lopez, 95. S. Ct. 729 (1973); Regulations for Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 7-11-91, 11-11-92, 7-15-99, 10-15-09, 3-21-13, 3-17-16, 12-10-20.
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ITEM 6g. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Revised Policy: JCDAF Bullying and Hazing
This item was for introduction only.
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JCDAF - BULLYING AND HAZING
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment so that no student is subject to bullying, hazing, or similar behavior while in school or participating in school-related activities. Students and their parents/ or legal guardians shall be notified that the school, school bus, and all other school environments are to be safe and secure for all. Therefore, all statements or actions of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior made on campus, at school-sponsored activities, or events, on school buses, at school bus stops, and on the way to and from school shall not be tolerated. Even if made in a joking manner, these statements or actions of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior towards other students or school personnel shall be unacceptable.
All students, teachers, and other school employees shall take responsible measures within the scope of their individual authority to prevent violations of this policy.
BULLYING
Bullyingshall mean:
1. A pattern of any one or more of the following:
A. Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces.
B. Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device.
C. Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property.
D. Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities.
2. Where the pattern of behavior as enumerated above is exhibited toward a student, more than once, by another student or group of students and occurs, or is received by, a student while on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related function or activity, in any school bus or van, at any designated school bus stop, in any other school bus or any other school or private vehicle used to transport students to and from schools, or any school-sponsored activity or event.
3. The pattern of behavior as provided above must shall have the effect of physically harming a student, placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student's property, placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to the student's property, or must shall be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to either create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, have the effect of substantially interfering with a student's performance in school, or have the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.
Each elementary and secondary school shall institute a program to prohibit and prevent bullying. The program shall:
1. Define bullying as provided above.
2. Ensure each student, each student's parent or legal guardian, and each school administrator, teacher, counselor, bus operator, school employee, and volunteer is aware of his/her duties and responsibilities relative to preventing and stopping bullying.
3. Provide for a process for reporting and investigating alleged incidents of bullying.
4. Provide for appropriate discipline of a student found guilty of bullying.
5. Provide for appropriate remedies for a student found to have been bullied.
6. Provide for procedures for investigating and reporting each school administrator, teacher, counselor, bus operator, and school employee for failure to act as provided.
HAZING
Hazing shall mean any knowing behavior, whether by commission or omission, of any student to encourage, direct, order, or participate in any activity which subjects another student to potential physical, mental, or psychological harm for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, continued membership in, or acceptance by existing members of any organization or extracurricular activity at a public elementary or secondary school, whether such behavior is planned or occurs on or off school property, including any school bus and school bus stop. Hazing does not mean any adult-directed and school-sanctioned athletic program practice or event or military training program.
Any solicitation to engage in hazing, and the aiding and abetting another person who engages in hazing shall be prohibited. The consent, stated or implied, of the hazing victim shall not be a defense in determining disciplinary action.
NOTICE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS
The School Board shall inform each student, orally and in writing, at the required orientation conducted at the beginning of each school year, of the prohibition against bullying, hazing, or similar behavior of a student by another student; the nature and consequences of such actions; including the potential criminal consequences and loss of driver's license, and the proper process and procedure for reporting any incidents involving such prohibited actions. A copy of the written notice shall also be delivered to each student's parent or legal guardian.
REPORTING
The principal or his/her designee shall be authorized to receive complaints alleging violation of this policy. All employees, parents, volunteers, or any other school personnel shall report alleged violations to the principal or his/her designee. Any written or oral report of an act of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall be considered an official means of reporting such act(s). Complaints, reports, and investigative reports of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall remain confidential, with limited exception of state or federal law.
The reporting of incidents of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior shall be made on the Bullying Report form, which shall include an affirmation of truth. Any bullying, hazing, or similar behavior report submitted, regardless of recipient, shall use this form, but additional information may be provided. The form shall be available on the website of each public elementary and secondary school.
Students and Parents
Any student who believes that he/she has been, or is currently, the victim of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, or any student, or any parent or legal guardian, who witnesses bullying, hazing, or similar behavior or has good reason to believe bullying, hazing, or similar behavior is taking place, may report the situation to a school official, who in turn shall report the situation to the principal or his/her designee. A student, or parent or legal guardian, may also report concerns regarding bullying, hazing, or similar behavior to a teacher, counselor, other school employee, or to any parent chaperoning or chaperone supervising a school function or activity. Any report shall remain confidential.
School Personnel
Any school employee, whether full- or part-time, and any parent/volunteer chaperoning or chaperone supervising a school function or activity, who witnesses or learns of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior from a student or parent, immediately shall report the incident to the principal or his/her designee. Verbal reports shall be submitted by the employee or parent/volunteer chaperone on the same day as the employee or parent/volunteer chaperone witnessed or otherwise learned of the incident, and a written report shall be filed no later than two (2) days thereafter.
All other members of the school community, including students, parents or legal guardians, volunteers, and visitors shall be encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy to the principal or his/her designee.
False Reports
Intentionally making false reports about bullying, hazing, or similar behavior to school officials shall be prohibited conduct and shall result in appropriate disciplinary measures as determined by the School Board.
INVESTIGATION PROCEDURE
Investigations of any reports of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior of a student shall be in accordance with the following:
1. Timing
The school shall begin an investigation of any complaint that is properly reported and that alleges the prohibited conduct the next business or school day after the report is received by the principal or his/her designee. The investigation shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, but not later than ten (10) school days after the date the written report of the incident is submitted to the principal or his/her designee. If additional information is received after the end of the ten-day period, the school principal or his/her designee shall amend all documents and reports required to reflect such information.
2. Scope of Investigation
An investigation shall include documented interviews of the reporter, the alleged victim, the alleged bully or offender, and any witnesses, and shall include obtaining oral, visual or written evidence, including, but not limited to statements, writings, recordings, electronic messages, and photographs. Interviews shall be conducted privately, separately, and confidentially. Unless necessary for the purpose of the investigation, the alleged offender and alleged victim shall not be interviewed together.
The principal or his/her designee shall collect and evaluate all facts using the Bullying Investigation form.
3. Parental Notification
Upon receiving a report of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, the school shall notify the parents or legal guardians of the alleged offender and the alleged victim each involved student no later than the following business or school day. Delivery of notice to the parents or legal guardians by an involved student shall not constitute the required parental notice.
Before any student under the age of eighteen (18) is interviewed, his/her parent or legal guardian shall be notified by the principal or his/her designee of the allegations made and shall have the opportunity to attend any interviews with their child conducted as part of the investigation.
All meetings with the parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim and the parents or legal guardians of the alleged offender perpetrator shall be in compliance with the following:
A. Separate meetings shall be held with the parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim and the parents or legal guardians of the alleged offender perpetrator.
B. Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim and of the alleged offender perpetrator shall be informed of the potential consequences, penalties, and counseling options.
In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent or legal guardian of a student who is under the age of eighteen (18) and not judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage to attend a conference or meeting regarding the student's behavior and, after notice, the parent, tutor, or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal or his/her designee shall file a complaint, pursuant to Louisiana Children’s Code, Article 730 or 731, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction. The principal may also file a complaint on the grounds the student is a truant or has willfully and repeatedly violated school rules, or any other applicable ground when, in his/her judgment, doing so is in the best interests of the student.
4. Documentation
At the conclusion of an investigation of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior, and after meeting with the parents or legal guardians of each involved student, the principal or his/her designee or School Board shall:
A. Prepare a written report containing the findings of the investigation, including input from the involved students’ parents or legal guardians, and the decision by the principal or his/her designee or school system official. The document shall be placed in the school records of both students each involved student.
B. Promptly notify the reporter/complainant of the findings of the investigation and whether remedial action has been taken, if such release of information does not violate the law.
C. Keep reports/complaints and investigative reports confidential, except where disclosure is required to be made by applicable federal laws, rules, or regulations or by state law.
D. Maintain reports/complaints and investigative reports for three (3) years.
E. As applicable, provide a copy of any reports and investigative documents to the School Board for disciplinary measures, or to the Louisiana Department of Education, as necessary.
F. As applicable, provide a copy of any reports and investigative documents to the appropriate law enforcement officials.
During the pendency of an investigation, the school district may take immediate steps, at its discretion, to protect the alleged victim, students, teachers, administrators or other school personnel pending completion of the investigation.
Handling Evidence
Whenever an employee/administrator receives notice of a bullying or hazing, or similar behavior, any physical evidence of the act/communication shall be secured in the building administrator’s office with as little physical contact as possible. If the act/communication is in the form of graffiti, the area shall be sealed off by the building administrator. Photographs shall be taken as soon as possible. Student/public exposure shall be as minimal as possible. Graffiti shall not be removed until law enforcement has properly examined the area.
APPEAL
If the school principal or his/her designee does not take timely and effective action in any bullying incident, the student, parent or legal guardian, or school employee may report, in writing, the incident to the School Board. The School Board shall begin an investigation of any properly reported complaint that alleges prohibited conduct the next business day during which school is in session after the report is received by the School Board.
If the School Board does not take timely and effective action, the student, parent or legal guardian, or other school employee may report any bullying incident to the Louisiana Department of Education.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
Once a report has been received at a school, and a school principal or his/her designee has determined that an act of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior has occurred, and after having met with the parent or legal guardian of the student involved, the principal or his/her designee, or applicable school official shall take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action against the student, and report criminal conduct to law enforcement. Counseling and/or other interventions may also be recommended.
Students may be disciplined for off-campus bullying, hazing, or similar behavior the same as if the improper conduct occurred on campus, if the actions of the offender substantially interfere with the education opportunities or educational programs of the student victim and/or adversely affects the ability of the student victim to participate in or benefit from the school’s education programs or activities.
PARENTAL RELIEF
If a parent, legal guardian, teacher, or other school official has made four (4) or more reports of separate instances of bullying, and no investigation pursuant to state law or this policy has occurred, the parent or legal guardian of the alleged victim may request that the student be transferred to another school operated by the School Board.
Such request shall be filed with the Superintendent. Upon receipt of the request to transfer the student to another school, the School Board shall make a seat available at another school under its jurisdiction within ten (10) school days of the parent or legal guardian's request for a transfer. If the School Board has no other school under its jurisdiction serving the grade level of the alleged victim, within fifteen (15) school days of receiving the request, the Superintendent shall:
1. Inform the student and his/her parent or legal guardian and facilitate the student's enrollment in a statewide virtual school.
2. Offer the student a placement in a full-time virtual program or virtual school under the School Board’s jurisdiction.
3. Enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Superintendent or director of another governing authority to secure a placement and provide for the transfer of the student to a school serving the grade level of the student, in accordance with statutory provisions.
If no seat or other placement is made available within thirty (30) calendar days of the receipt of the request by the Superintendent, the parent or legal guardian may request a hearing with the School Board, which shall be public or private at the option of the parent or legal guardian. The School Board shall grant the hearing at the next scheduled meeting or within sixty (60) calendar days, whichever is sooner.
At the end of any school year, the parent or legal guardian may make a request to the School Board to transfer the student back to the original school. The School Board shall make a seat available at the original school that the student attended. No other schools
shall qualify for transfer under this provision.
FAILURE TO ACT
Any teacher, counselor, bus operator, administrator, or other school employee, whether full- or part-time, who witnesses bullying or who receives a report of bullying from an alleged victim, and who fails to report the incident to a school official shall be investigated by the School Board. Upon finding a reasonable expectation that the individual failed to act, the School Board shall suspend the individual without pay. The length of the suspension shall be determined by the School Board based on the severity of the bullying inflicted on the victim. The School Board shall report each finding of a failure to report and the length of suspension issued to each employee who failed to report to the State Department of Education.
Any school administrator or official who fails to notify a parent or legal guardian of a report of bullying, timely investigate a report of bullying, take prompt and appropriate disciplinary action against a student that was determined to have engaged in bullying, or report criminal conduct to the appropriate law enforcement official shall be investigated by the School Board. Upon finding a reasonable expectation that the individual failed to act, the School Board shall suspend the individual without pay. The length of the suspension shall be determined by the School Board based on the severity of the bullying inflicted on the victim. The School Board shall report each finding of a failure to report bullying and the length of suspension issued to the employee who failed to report to the State Department of Education. The report shall be submitted by August first annually.
TRAINING
The School Board shall provide a minimum of four (4) hours of training for all new employees who have contact with students and two (2) hours of training each subsequent year for all school employees who have contact with students, including bus drivers, with respect to bullying, in accordance with state statutory provisions.
RETALIATION
Retaliation against any person who reports bullying, hazing, or similar behavior in good faith, who is thought to have reported such conduct, who files a complaint, or who otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior is prohibited conduct and subject to disciplinary action.
CHILD ABUSE
The provisions of this policy shall not be interpreted to conflict with or supersede the provisions requiring mandatory reporting pursuant to Louisiana Children's Code, Art. 609 and as enforced through La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:403.
Revised: December 2, 2010 Revised: July, 2022
Revised: March 21, 2013
Revised: October 17, 2013
Revised: November 15, 2018
Ref: 20 USC 1232(g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:40.3, 14:40.7, 14:40.8, 14:403, 17:105, 17:105.1, 17:183, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.13, 17:416.14; La. Children’s Code, Art. 609, 730, 731; Davis v. Monroe County Board of Education, 119 S. Ct. 1661 (1991); Board minutes, 9-23-04, 12-2-10, 3-21-13, 10-17-13, 11-15-18.
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ITEM 6h. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Revised Policy: GAMB Employee Dress Code
This item was for introduction only.
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GAMB - EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is committed to providing an excellent educational system that focuses on outstanding student achievement and preparation for lifetime success. The School Board believes that its mission is enhanced by the professionalism of its employees. The professional status of staff members is reinforced by appropriate dress and appearance. Since students learn by example, it is important that employees serve as role models for students. Moreover, the community’s attitude toward the school system and the education profession is related to the manner in which employees present themselves.
All employees shall exercise good judgment in their choice of appearance at work by dressing in a way that is appropriate to the situation and in a manner that will invoke a positive impression with students and the community. Such professional dress should promote a working and learning environment that is conducive to high student and staff performance. Inappropriate clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, accessories, or body adornments that are in any way disruptive or potentially disruptive to the learning environment are prohibited.
The School Board shall not discriminate against an employee on the basis of a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle. Natural, protective, or cultural hairstyle shall include, but is not limited to, afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids, cornrow braids, Bantu knots, curls, and hair styled to protect hair texture or for cultural significance.
Principals and other administrative supervisors are delegated the authority and bear the responsibility for ensuring compliance with this mandatory policy and are expected to counsel and/or discipline employees whom they supervise on professional appearance in conformance with this mandatory policy.
DRESS CODE GUIDELINES
• Personal hygiene and cleanliness of dress are expected of all staff.
• Shirt length must be long enough so that when arms are raised, skin is not exposed.
• Low-cut blouses shall not be worn (cleavage shall not be visible).
• Halter tops, tank tops, or spaghetti strap tops (sundresses) shall not be worn.
• Skirts and dresses shall be of a reasonable length. (All dresses and skirts should be no more than 2 inches above the knee with or without leggings.)
• Clothes shall be loose-fitting; leotard-type pants or biker pants shall not be worn. This shall include leggings, jeggings, and tights, except when worn under articles of clothing which cover the leggings and fall at least two (2) inches above the knee.
• Proper undergarments should be worn at all times but shall not be directly visible or seen through clothing.
• All clothing shall be free of alcohol, tobacco advertisements, and drug references. In addition, all clothing shall be free of any wording or graphics that are suggestive or offensive in nature or content.
• Shorts shall not be worn. Exception: Coaches, physical education personnel, and bus operators/monitors may wear loose fitting shorts of the appropriate length no more than two (2) inches above the knee.
• Capri pants may be worn.
• Denim jeans shall not be worn (unless specified by site administrator.)
• Jogging suits or sweat suits shall not be worn. Exception: Coaches, physical education personnel, and bus drivers/monitors may wear jogging suits or sweat suits.
• Tennis shoes and sandals may be worn. All footwear is required to have a back, and at a minimum, a restraining strap. No flip flops (beach footwear) shall be worn. Exception: Food service workers, maintenance workers, custodians, school bus operators/monitors must wear footwear that fully encloses the foot from heel to toe (the footwear must cover and protect the top, bottom, back and sides of the foot).
• No visible body piercings with the exception of earrings.
New policy: October 17, 2019
Revised: July, 2022
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 23:332; Board minutes, 10-17-19
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ITEM 7. BUSINESS & FINANCE. ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Request approval to advertise to accept Proposals for Property Insurance that will be expiring in March 2023
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve advertising to accept Proposals for Property Insurance that will be expiring in March 2023
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Sanders, Jones
The motion carried.
ITEM 7b. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request approval to extend All South Consulting Engineering contract for Disaster Management Recovery Services through December 31, 2023
Public Comment: Eliza Eugene, Shondrell Perrilloux
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To extend All South Consulting Engineering contract for Disaster Management Recovery Services through December 31, 2023.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To Table
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
1 Abstention - Schum
The motion carried.
Mr. Burl asked that the Land and Facilities Committee convene on next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. (October 18, 2022), to discuss this item.
ITEM 7c. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request approval to award a three-year contract to a Third-Party Administrator (RPA) to process General Liability and Workers’ Comp Claims.
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To approve a three-year contract to a Third-Party Administrator (LOCA) to process General Liability and Workers’ Comp Claims.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Keller
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve a one-year contract to a Third-Party Administrator (LOCA) to process General Liability and Workers’ Comp Claims.
Following further discussion, Dr. Keller amended his motion:
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To amend the substitute motion to include the verbiage “with the option to extend for 2 years (approved annually)”
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
Roll Call: (On the substitute motion by Dr. Keller to approve a one-year contract with the option to extend for 2 years – approved by the Board annually).
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 7d. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request approval to advertise to accept bids for Band Equipment for East St. John High School
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To advertise to accept bids for Band Equipment for St. John the Baptist Parish Schools.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 7e. Public Comment. Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request approval to award contract to lowest proposer for exterior and roofing repairs at West St. John Elementary School
Public Comment: Eliza Eugene, Sylvia Taylor, Shondrell Perrilloux
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To award a contract to the lowest proposer (CDX Construction) for exterior and roofing repairs at West St. John Elementary School at a cost of $245,000.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Burl, Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 7f. Public Comment. Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request approval to award contract to lowest bidder for exterior and roofing repairs at Leon Godchaux campus
Public Comment: Eliza Eugene, Sylvia Taylor, Shondrell Perrilloux
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To award a contract to the lowest bidder (Tache LLC) for exterior and roofing repairs at Leon Godchaux at a cost of $439,800.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. ITEM 9a. Joshua Cockfield - Executive Session: Prospective Litigation regarding Osa Betts Workers’ Compensation Claim #LCA-0023885
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session to discuss Prospective Litigation regarding Osa Betts Workers’ Compensation Claim #LCA-0023885 at 7:36 p.m.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Johnson
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session at 7:59 p.m.
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Absent – Burl, Sanders, Jones
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To give settlement authority to LOCA in the Osa Betts Workers’ Compensation Claim #LCA-0023885
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Absent – Burl, Sanders, Jones
The motion carried
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Mrs. Rebecca Johnson - Request Board approval of a Resolution to support the LASS Accountability Proposal
Public Comment: Shondrell Perrilloux (George Hardy yielded 3 minutes to S. Perrilloux), Carolyn Batiste
Mrs. Mitchell-Williams stated for the record that she lives at 2105 Greenwood Drive in LaPlace, Louisiana and has resided there since February of 2005.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To approve the Resolution to support the LASS Accountability Proposal
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
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SUPPORT OF LASS ACCOUNTABILITY PROPOSAL
A Resolution expressing support for the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents (LASS) proposal to reimagine the Louisiana public school accountability system and urge LA Department of Education State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, and the Board of Secondary and Elementary Education (BESE) to adopt their proposal instead of the current proposal presented by the BESE Accountability Working Group in August 2022, and otherwise to provide with respect thereto.
WHEREAS, last year the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education began conducting an Accountability Working Group to propose changes to the public education accountability system;
WHEREAS, those meetings sought and accepted very little input from public education stakeholders such as teachers, superintendents and school boards, but rather focused primarily on the input from the LA Department of Education (LDOE) and a few self-proclaimed education reform organizations, some led by former LDOE staff from the Supt. John White administration;
WHEREAS, the publicly stated goal of the Accountability Working Group was to lower the number of high schools earning letter grades of A or B under the current system that has, in its core principles, been in place since the John White administration;
WHEREAS, the LDOE and the self-proclaimed “reformers” used the mantra that Louisiana high schools and school boards were “gaming the system” to inflate high school letter grades;
WHEREAS, the evidence they cited was: 1. the proportion of A & B high schools was higher than the proportion of A & B elementary schools, and those proportions should be the same; and 2. TOPS bound high school students were also taking career and technical classes and the WorkKeys exam and those students should not be given that choice.
WHEREAS, the result was a proposal that reverse engineered the high school accountability formula to deny points for high school students merely being proficient in high school content and graduating on time;
WHEREAS, the reverse engineered formula was then overly weighted on high school students doing post-secondary (high school) work as the only way for a high school to earn an A;
WHEREAS, the reversed engineered formula would result in only a hand-full of select academic admissions high schools earning an A;
WHEREAS, when BESE undertook the new formula at its August meeting it faced significant push back that the proposal was bad for students, parents, teachers, and communities;
WHEREAS, in response to the opposition, and despite the chiding of the self-proclaimed “reformers” BESE urged the LDOE to go back and seek more input from educators;
WHEREAS, the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents (LASS), with the assistance of the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA), created a proposal to reimagine and completely rework the defective accountability system, not just for High School but also for Elementary and Middle School;
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal focuses on student proficiency of grade level content;
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal uses a pre- and post-test model similar to that being successfully used in Florida, where in students are tested in the beginning of the year and then at the end of the year to evidence how far that individual student grew toward proficiency of that grade level content;
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal aligns TOPS, WorkKeys and, for the first time ever, ASVAB, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, so that whether High School graduates move on to college or a skilled trade or the military, they will all be considered successful.
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal uses a simple 100 point grading scale, familiar to students, parents, and the general public instead of the arbitrary 200, 150 and newly proposed 125 point scales that have been the hallmark of the past and current accountability system;
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal also limits testing to that mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), noting that Louisiana over-tests our students;
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal also recognizes successes that are ignored in the current and BESE proposed system: Special Education students learning the basic life and commercial skills that will allow them to enter the workplace, students who continue to strive and earn their high school diploma beyond the expected 4-year window;
WHEREAS, the LASS Accountability proposal has resisted running simulations to see what the letter grade distribution would be, as the system was designed to focus on student achievement and not to reverse engineer a result.
THEREFORE, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board does hereby endorse and express its support for the LASS Accountability proposal;
FURTHER, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board urges the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to set the discussion and consideration of the LASS Accountability proposal on the October agenda of the BESE Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee and the full BESE meeting set for October 10 and 11, 2022, respectively.
FURTHER, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board urges the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to support the adoption of the LASS Accountability proposal and take such actions as are necessary to move toward implementation of the proposal.
FINALLY, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board directs the Superintendent of the St. John the Baptist Parish School System to deliver a certified copy of this Resolution to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, each elected and appointed member thereof, Superintendent Cade Brumley, Governor John Bel Edwards, Senator Cleo Fields, Representative Lance Harris, and each member of the Legislative delegation of St. John the Baptist Parish.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was affirmative by a majority, and the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 13th day of October, 2022.
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ITEM 9c. Public Comment. Ms. Sherry DeFrancesch – Request approval of Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the Health Insurance Plan(s) for Calendar Year 2023, as recommended by the Insurance Committee on October 4, 2022
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve Blue Cross/Blue Shield for the Health Insurance Plan(s) for Calendar Year 2023, as recommended by the Insurance Committee on October 4, 2022.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. Ms. Jawanza Joseph – Request Board approval of employee-portion cost of health insurance premiums for Calendar Year 2023, as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Public Comment: Derron Cook
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve the employee-portion cost of health insurance premiums for Calendar Year 2023, as recommended by the Finance Committee (95% / 83% / 77%).
Following discussion, Mr. Burl offered a motion to remain at the current rate for this year and revisit this increase to employees next year. This motion failed due to the lack of a second.
Upon Roll Call on the original motion, there was
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. Ms. Sherry DeFrancesch – Request approval of Ameritas Dental for the Dental Insurance Plan(s) for Calendar Year 2023 and 2024, as recommended by the Insurance Committee on October 4, 2022
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve Ameritas Dental for the Dental Insurance Plan(s) for Calendar Year 2023 and 2024, as recommended by the Insurance Committee on October 4, 2022. (No rate increase for 2 years).
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 9f. Public Comment. Ms. Sherry DeFrancesch – Request approval of MetLife Option 1 for the Supplemental Insurance Plan(s) for Calendar Year 2023, as recommended by the Insurance Committee on October 4, 2022
Public Comment: Shondrell Perrilloux
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve MetLife Option 1 for the Supplemental Insurance Plan(s) for Calendar Year 2023, as recommended by the Insurance Committee on October 4, 2022
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 9g. Public Comment. Mrs. Rebecca Johnson – Request Board approval of the updated list of Hearing Officers: Lana Ourso Chaney; Wayne Landry; Lloyd LeBlanc; Angie Peraza; Katherine M. Loos; Madeline Jasmine
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve the updated list of Hearing Officers: Lana Ourso Chaney; Wayne Landry; Lloyd LeBlanc; Angie Peraza; Katherine M. Loos; Madeline Jasmine
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 9h. Public Comment. Ms. Jawanza Joseph – Selection of Salary Study Committee Member Replacement
Ms. Joseph stated that it was discovered that Nycole Franklin had left the district, leaving a vacancy on the Salary Study Committee in the Support Staff category. Drawing from a hat, Miguel Ortiz will replace her on the committee.
ITEM 9i. Public Comment. Mr. Keith Jones – Update on JG Consulting, LLC
Mrs. Mitchell-Williams stated that she had spoken with Mr. James Guerra with JG Consulting, LLC. He stated that the company would be willing to assist with our search for a Superintendent, however, the company cannot do a full search at this time, and probably could not until next summer.
ITEM 9j. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum - Remove from table - Superintendent Selection Process
Public Comment: Shondrell Perrilloux, Whitney Joseph-(George Handy, Robert Taylor, Laverne Sanders yielded 3 minutes), Geraldine Watkins
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To remove from table - Superintendent Selection Process
Roll Call:
7 Yeas – Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Nays – Holden, Burl, Jones
1 Absent - Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 9k. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum – Request Board approval of the Superintendent Selection Process Timeline Option 1
|
Timeline Option 1 |
|
|
October 19, 2022 |
Advertise in L’Observateur/Advocate |
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October 26, 2022 |
Advertise in L’Observateur/Advocate |
|
November 9, 2022 |
Deadline to Apply |
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November 16, 2022 |
Retrieve Applications from PO Box |
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November 28 & 29, 2022 |
First Round Interviews (2 days) |
|
December 1, 2022 |
Special Meeting - Name Finalist(s) |
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December 5 & 6, 2022 |
Second Round Interviews (2 days) |
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December 8, 2022 |
Regular Meeting - Name Superintendent |
Public Comment: Annette Houston-(Whitney Joseph yielded 3 minutes), Shondrell Perrilloux, Eliza Eugene, Derron Cook
This item was pulled from the agenda.
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To extend the meeting beyond 10:00 p.m.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 9l. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum – Request Board approval of the Superintendent Selection Process Timeline Option 2
Public Comment: Shondrell Perrilloux, Whitney Joseph
|
Timeline Option 2 |
|
|
November 2, 2022 |
Advertise in L’Observateur/Advocate |
|
November 9, 2022 |
Advertise in L’Observateur/Advocate |
|
November 18, 2022 |
Deadline to Apply |
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November 22, 2022 |
Retrieve Applications from PO Box |
|
December 5 & 6, 2022 |
First Round Interviews (2 days) |
|
December 8, 2022 |
Regular Meeting - Name Finalist(s) |
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December 12 & 13, 2022 |
Second Round Interviews (2 days) |
|
December 15, 2022 |
Special Meeting - Name Superintendent |
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the Superintendent Selection Process Timeline Option 2
|
Timeline Option 2 |
|
|
November 2, 2022 |
Advertise in L’Observateur/Advocate |
|
November 9, 2022 |
Advertise in L’Observateur/Advocate |
|
November 18, 2022 |
Deadline to Apply |
|
November 22, 2022 |
Retrieve Applications from PO Box |
|
December 5 & 6, 2022 |
First Round Interviews (2 days) |
|
December 8, 2022 |
Regular Meeting - Name Finalist(s) |
|
December 12 & 13, 2022 |
Second Round Interviews (2 days) |
|
December 15, 2022 |
Special Meeting - Name Superintendent |
Mr. Jones offered a Substitute Motion to bring this item to the Executive Committee for a recommendation before the full Board votes on it. This motion failed due to the lack of a second.
Upon roll call on the original motion to approve the Superintendent Selection Process Timeline Option 2, there were
6 Yeas – Keller, DeFrancesch, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
4 Nays – Holden, Burl, Jones, Johnson
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Mr. Jones: There is a Tri-Parish Superintendent Meeting on October 21st at Regala Park
Mrs. Schum: October 26th – Salary Study Committee Meeting (Final Recommendations); November 1st – Finance Committee Meeting
Mrs. Holden: Update on Pleasure Bend court order from 2005? Mrs. Johnson stated that there is an agreement between St. John and St. James that states the students of Pleasure Bend will attend school in St. James. The agreement was through a court order related to the consent decree. Mr. Burl asked for the requirements from the consent decree as it relates to Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School.
Mr. Wallace: Hispanic Month was celebrated last night at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary. Great job by the entire staff.
Mr. Jones: ESJH Homecoming is this week – support the Wildcats tomorrow night at the game.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent – Sanders
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:07 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Rebecca Johnson, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President