February 5, 2009

FEBRUARY 5, 2009

THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON FEBRUARY 5, 2009 AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT WOODS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

STEVE WOODS, PRESIDENT

MICHAEL PERKINS, VICE-PRESIDENT

RANDI GLEASON

MEL HARRIS

ROBERT PYNES JR.

MARK SMITH

RICKY REESE

BERYL FORD

RANDY MARTIN

VERNON TRAVIS

GAYE MCKEE

GENE HAYMON

COL. DAVID G. SAGE

ABSENT: NONE

There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.

The meeting was opened in prayer by Vernon Travis.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vernon Travis.

On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2009 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Dwain Ducote, Assistant Principal at Vernon Middle School, was recognized by Barbara Stainback, on behalf of Louisiana Association of Principals as the 2009 Louisiana Assistant Principal of The Year. Ms. Cassandra Wilson, Principal at Vernon Middle School, presented Mr. Ducote with a gift and thanked him for all of his hard work at Vernon Middle School. Superintendent Self also presented Mr. Ducote with a token of appreciation on behalf of the Board and thanked him for his hard work and dedication.

Mr. Tom Nuebert recognized the school counselors for Counselor Appreciation Week and thanked them for all that they do at the schools.

On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board adopted the following policy changes and/or additions:

DEBT LIMITATION

The Vernon Parish School Board may, as authorized by the Constitution and laws of the State, borrow money, incur debt, issue bonds, levy taxes, or pledge uncollected taxes or revenues, with the approval of the electorate and the consent of the State Bond Commission. Before incurring any form of debt whatsoever, the Board is required by law to obtain the consent and approval of the State Bond Commission. The Board may incur debt and issue bonds for the purposes of acquiring and/or improving lands, purchasing, erecting and/or improving school buildings, and/or for other purposes allowed by state law which, including the existing bonded debt of the School Board for all bonded purposes, may not exceed ~~thirty-five per centum (35%)~~ fifty per centum (50%) of the assessed valuation of all taxable property in the school district as ascertained by the last assessment for the district.

Notification to the State Bond Commission shall be required by the Board whenever the transfer of funds authorizing indebtedness or payment on outstanding indebtedness has not been made in a timely manner.

Revised: December, 1990

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:89, 17:1371, 18:1281, 18:1282, 18:1283, 18:1284, 18:1293, 39:471, 39:554, 39:562, 39:821, 39:1410.60.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SECURITY

Buildings of the Vernon Parish School Board constitute one of the greatest investments of the school district. It is deemed in the best interest of the district to protect the investment adequately. It is the policy of the Vernon Parish School Board that a concerted effort be made at all times by the Board and all personnel to provide for the security and protection of its students, employees, visitors, facilities, and equipment.

Security ~~should mean~~ not only encompasses maintenance of secure (locked) buildings but other strategies to make the school environment safe, such as protection from fire hazards and faulty equipment and safe practices in the use of electrical, plumbing, and heating equipment, and the protection of students, staff, and visitors at school functions, whether on or off campus.

Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours shall be limited to personnel whose work requires it. An adequate key control system shall be established which will limit access to buildings to authorized personnel only and will safeguard against the potential of entrance to buildings by ~~keys in the hands of~~ unauthorized persons with keys.

Records and funds shall be kept in a safe place and under lock and key when required.

Protective devices designed to be used as safeguards against illegal entry and vandalism shall be installed when appropriate to the individual situation. Employment of security personnel may be approved in situations where special risks are involved.

It will be the duty of the school principal or building administrator to develop a plan of action that includes the following:

1. Care shall be taken to see that all windows and doors are properly secured before leaving the school or central office buildings at the close of the day.

2. Care shall be taken to ensure that all burglar alarm systems, where installed, are activated at the end of the day and deactivated at the beginning of a work day.

3. All gates controlling access to facilities and parking areas shall be secured when school plant or facility is not in use.

FIREARM-FREE ZONES

The areas surrounding the school campus or within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, or within a school bus, shall be designated Firearm-Free Zones. It is unlawful for a student or non-student to intentionally possess a firearm on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property or while on a school bus. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Firearm-Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.

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 exception as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9. 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 within one thousand feet of any school campus and within a school bus.

Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.

The School Board shall post permanent notices of such prohibition at each major point of entry to the school.

DRUG-FREE ZONES

The area within 1,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus, shall be designated as Drug-Free Zones. It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute in a Drug-Free Zone. The Vernon Parish School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug-Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.

SEARCH OF PERSONS OTHER THAN STUDENTS

Any school principal, administrator, teacher, or school security guards may search the person, book bag, briefcase, purse or other object in the possession of any person who is not a student enrolled in the school, or any school employee, while in or on school grounds. This search may be done randomly with a metal detector, or physically when there is reasonable suspicion that such person has any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or objects in violation of School Board policy.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

The School Board shall authorize the use of video cameras on district property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment. Video cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.

The district shall notify staff and students through student/ parent and staff handbooks that video surveillance may occur on district property.

Students or staff in violation of Board policy, administrative regulations, building rules, or law shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Others may be referred to law enforcement agencies.

Video recordings may become a part of a student's educational record or a staff member's personnel record. The district shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to record maintenance and retention.

ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES

Except as may be allowed by School Board policy, no person, unless authorized by the school principal or designee, shall use, possess, or operate any electronic telecommunication device including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electromechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof while school is in session or in any school bus.

Revised: September, 2001

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:95.6, 14:95.9,17:81, 17:239, 17:240, 17:405, 17:416.6; Board minutes, 6-7-01.

STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY PROGRAM

The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes the responsibility of school bus operators and the need for bus operators to practice extreme caution in transporting children to and from school. Therefore, the School Board shall require the implementation, maintenance, and observance of a transportation safety program.

VIDEO EQUIPMENT ON SCHOOL BUSES

As a means to help ensure safety and proper conduct on School Board owned and/or contracted school buses, it shall be the policy of the Board that video surveillance equipment be allowed and/or required when such equipment is requested and approved by the Transportation Supervisor, and operated under rules and regulations established by the Superintendent.

The purchase and installation of such equipment shall be the responsibility of the Board for Board owned buses, or of the contract drivers for their buses. Ownership of the equipment, including the housing thereof, shall remain with the Board or contract driver.

Strict adherence to laws and rules of confidentiality shall be maintained in the viewing of tapes and use of equipment to assure compliance with laws and regulations regarding the privacy rights of students and employees.

CHILD REMINDER ALARM SYSTEM

All route school buses used in Vernon Parish Schools shall be required to have Child Reminder Alarm Systems which shall remain connected and in good working order.

USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES

The School Board may authorize the issuance of cellular telephones to all bus drivers. The use of cellular telephones by school bus operators shall be authorized only in an emergency situation, such as mechanical problem, accident, or illness of the bus driver or passenger. The bus should be pulled safely out of traffic (if possible) and the motor turned off before the cell phone is used.

~~All school bus operators shall be required to have communication devices as issued on board the school bus and turned to the "on" position while operating the school bus.~~

However, no person shall engage in a call on a cellular telephone or similar device while driving a school bus. The use of cellular telephones by school bus operators may be authorized in an emergency situation involving:

1. An emergency system response operator, 911 safety dispatcher, or school administrator;

2. A hospital or emergency room;

3. A physician’s office or health clinic;

4. An ambulance or fire department rescue service;

5. A fire department, fire protection district, or volunteer fire department;

6. A law enforcement agency.

ACCIDENTS

Any employee involved in an accident shall report such accident to proper School District personnel utilizing the procedures outlined in the Transportation Handbook. Reporting requirements are applicable to all employees, not just bus drivers.

POST TRIP INSPECTIONS

In accordance with the commercial driver’s license program requirements and the Louisiana Department of Education’s Bulletin 1475, Operational and Vehicle Maintenance Procedures, all bus drivers shall perform post-trip inspections of their buses. Any driver who fails to adequately perform a post-trip inspection that results in a child being left on the bus when the driver vacates the bus at the end of each individual trip (route, run, event, etc.) shall be disciplined as follows:

First Offense: Driver will be suspended for a minimum of 60 days without pay.

A full investigation will follow and the Board will decide if further action is necessary.

If a bus alarm is found to be disabled or disconnected, the driver will be immediately terminated.

Second Offense: Driver will be immediately terminated.

Revised: June, 2005 Revised: August, 2006

Revised: April, 2006 Revised: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§32:289, 32:398, 32:871; School Transportation Handbook, Bulletin 1191, Minimum Standards for School Buses, Bulletin 1213, Operational and Vehicle Maintenance Procedures, Bulletin 1475, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 3-18-03, 4-12-05, 5-10-05, 6-1-06.

NAMING OF FACILITIES

The Vernon Parish School Board believes naming a school is a matter of great importance, one that deserves the most thoughtful attention. The Board shall not be influenced in its decision by personal prejudice or favoritism, political pressure, or temporary popularity in choosing a name. No school, school building, or other public building shall be named after any living person. However, any existing athletic facilities at a high school within the Board’s jurisdiction may be named in honor of a living person.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for soliciting names from staff, students, and the community and shall prepare, for approval of the board, procedures to follow in naming school properties. These procedures shall include a timetable for the naming process in order to lessen any community or factional pressures that may build up when a selection is delayed or seems uncertain. The timetable shall take into account that there will be less confusion in accounts, files, and records for new schools if they are assigned names before construction begins.

New policy: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:85, 42:267.

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR DISABLED STUDENTS

RECOMMENDED DELETION

The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes that, consistent with federal and state statutes, assistive technology devices that are determined necessary by the child's individualized education plan (IEP) team to ensure a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) shall be provided by the Board to a child with a disability or parent or guardian of a child with a disability at no cost to the parents. However, the School Board shall not be required to replace or repair any assistive technology device provided if such device is lost, stolen, damaged, broken, destroyed, or otherwise misused while in the possession of the child, parent, or guardian. This provision does not apply to repair or replacement of such a device which needs repair or replacement as a result of ordinary wear.

Ref: 20 USC §1400 et seq. (Individuals With Disabilities Education Act); 34 CFR §300.308; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:1948.

EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES

The Vernon Parish School Board shall provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to every student with an exceptionality, ages three through twenty-one, who is a resident of the geographical boundaries of the school district. Special education and related services may be provided by the School Board for eligible children under three years of age. Generally, identified children shall be screened and evaluated for eligibility to receive special educational services while receiving educational support in the regular classroom. If it is determined in the evaluation process that a child has a disability, impairment, or condition that impedes educational progress, then the child is classified according to the Pupil Appraisal Handbook, Bulletin 1508, guidelines and becomes eligible to receive special education services. All special education services shall be performed in accordance with the regulations outlined in Regulations for the Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706.

The School Board shall establish and maintain regulations and procedures in accordance with federal and state law to ensure that students with exceptionalities and their parents are provided the necessary procedural safeguards with respect to the provision of free appropriate public education by the School Board.

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: 20 USCA §1400 et seq. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act); 34 CFR §300.308 (Assistance to States for the Education of Children with Disabilities); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:1941, 17:1942, 17:1943, 17:1944, 17:1945, 17:1946, 17:1947; Pupil Appraisal Handbook, Bulletin 1508, Louisiana Department of Education; Regulations for the Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education.

TECHNOLOGY CODE OF CONDUCT

PURPOSE

The Vernon Parish School Board provides computer equipment, computer services, and Internet access to its users for educational purposes. Vernon Parish provides technology resources to improve learning and teaching through research, training, collaboration, and the use of global communication resources. This will enable users to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Research skills in electronic information are now essential to preparation of users to be employed in the Age of Information. All elementary schools, beginning with the third grade, and all secondary schools shall provide instruction for educating children regarding Internet safety.

The Board shall incorporate the use of computer-related technology or the use of Internet service provider technology designed to block access or exposure to any harmful materials or information, such as sites that contain obscene, pornographic, pervasively vulgar, excessively violent, or sexually harassing information or material. Sites which contain information on the manufacturing of bombs or other incendiary devices shall also be prohibited. However, the School Board does not prohibit authorized employees or students from having unfiltered or unrestricted access to Internet or online services, including online services of newspapers with daily circulation of at least 1,000, for legitimate scientific or educational purposes approved by the Board.

ACCEPTABLE USE

Vernon Parish School System is now offering Internet access for users. The Acceptable Use policy is as follows:

1. E-mail. E-mail will allow users to communicate with people throughout the world. Users will also be able to subscribe to mail lists to engage in group discussions related to educational subjects.

2. World Wide Web. The Web provides access to a wide range of information in the form of text, graphics, photographs, video, and sound, from throughout the world. The Web is a valuable research tool for students.

3. Internet Relay Chat (IRC). IRC provides the capability of engaging in "real-time" discussions. The District will provide access to IRC only for specifically defined supervised educational classroom activities. IRC will not be allowed in the school libraries.

4. The Internet can be used for:

a. Conducting educational research through the use of a Web Browser.

b. Communicating with others through E-mail and Newsgroups on educational topics.

c. Downloading public domain and shareware files and programs for educational use.

d. Printing electronic information for educational use.

e. High quality, self-discovery activities approved by instructor.

f. Approved career development activities.

Internet Access

1. Individual e-mail accounts, which are assigned and monitored by the classroom teacher, may be obtained for supervised educational classroom use by:

a. Students with approval of their parent and the technology coordinator.

b. Other users with the approval of the technology coordinator.

Passwords must be assigned by the classroom teacher.

2. All users must sign an agreement to be granted an individual e-mail account with the Vernon Parish School System. This agreement must be renewed on an annual basis. Parents/ technology coordinators can withdraw approval at any time.

3. If approved by the technology coordinator, a personal Web page may be created for school organizations. Al material placed on a Web page must be pre-approved in a manner specified by the school. Material placed on a Web page must relate to the school and career preparation activities.

System Security

1. All users are responsible for individual accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use the account. Under no conditions should users provide passwords to another person.

2. All users will immediately notify a teacher/technology coordinator if a security problem is identified.

3. All users will avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the Vernon Parish virus protection procedures if software is downloaded. Classroom computer disks must be scanned weekly for viruses.

4. Outside computer disks, software, and other multi-media programs are not allowed in computer labs without prior approval of the instructor.

Unacceptable Use

Any action determined by teacher/technology coordinator to be inappropriate use is considered unacceptable use. This includes:

Vandalism:

1. Any attempt to destroy data of another user.

2. Damaging computers -- hardware, software, furniture, equipment, supplies and any other related materials.

3. Damage to computer systems or computer networks.

4. This includes but is not limited to computer viruses.

Inappropriate Language:

1. Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages.

2. Users shall not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.

3. Users shall not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.

4. Users shall not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.

5. Users shall not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If user is told by a person to stop sending them messages, then user must stop.

6. Users shall not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

Respecting Resource Limits:

1. Users shall use the system only for educational and career development activities and limited high-quality, self-discovery activities.

2. Users shall not download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, user shall download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from the system computer to his/her personal computer.

3. Users shall not post chain letters or engage in "spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.

4. Users shall not waste printing supplies.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:

1. Users shall not plagiarize works that are found on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.

2. Users shall respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when user inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, users should follow the expressed requirements. If user is unsure whether or not a work may be used, user should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. If user has questions, he/she should ask a teacher.

Inappropriate Access to Material:

1. Users shall not use Vernon Parish School System's computer equipment to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people.

2. If users mistakenly access inappropriate information, users should immediately tell a teacher/technology coordinator. This will protect users against a claim that users have intentionally violated this policy.

USER RESPONSIBILITY

User includes students, staff, employees, teachers, administrators, and any other person using computer equipment. When users are using the Vernon Parish School System's computer equipment, it may feel like users can more easily break a rule and not get caught. This is not true because little "electronic footprints" are left on the network. So the odds of getting caught are really about the same as they are in the real world. But the fact that users can do something or think something can be done without being caught does not make it right to do so. Even if the user is not caught, there is always one person who will know whether a wrong has been committed -- that person is the user.

Violations of this policy may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. The Vernon Parish School System shall be responsible for determining disciplinary action(s) in cases concerning infractions of the Technology Code of Conduct.

Revised: August, 1999

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: 47 USC 254(h), Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:100.7, 17:280; Board minutes, 9-3-98.

COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AGES

Except as provided by law, every child in the state is required by state law to attend public or private school from the child's seventh (7th) birthday until his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday, unless the child graduates prior to his/her eighteenth (18th) birthday. Any child below the age of seven (7) who legally enrolls in school shall also be required to attend school. If a child in these age brackets was a resident of this parish when school opened and enters school late without having attended another public or private school or approved home study program during the current school session within or without the parish, a statement should be secured from the parents or guardian giving the reasons why the child has not been in school. If these reasons are not satisfactory, the matter should be referred to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, who may find it necessary to refer it to the proper court.

EXCEPTIONS

The only exceptions to the compulsory school attendance provisions of state law are as follows:

1. Children mentally, physically, or emotionally incapacitated to perform school duties, and children unable to profit from further school experience, such exceptions to be certified in writing by a psychiatrist, psychologist, recognized evaluation centers or clinics, or other professionally qualified person or agency designated by the Board.

2. Children temporarily excused from school, as follows:

(a) Children who are ill and whose attendance in school would endanger their own health or that of their classmates, and who have a certificate of a physician or nurse practitioner licensed to practice in Louisiana verifying said illness;

(b) Children in whose families there is serious illness which would reasonably necessitate the absence from school, if in the judgment of the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, such absence is justified, or if the illness is substantiated in writing by a licensed Louisiana physician or nurse practitioner;

(c) Children in whose immediate family a death has occurred, such absence is not to exceed one week because of and at the time of such death;

(d) Children whose religious faith requires absence for the observance of a special and recognized holyday of the child's own faith.

(e) Children whose parent is a member of United States Armed Forces or National Guard of a state and such parent has been called to duty for, or is on leave from, overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, such leave not to exceed five (5) school days per school year for child to visit the parent.

3. Any minor employed to perform or render artistic or creative services under a contract pursuant to statutory provisions.

A child between the ages of seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) may withdraw from school prior to graduation with the written consent of his/her parent or guardian. Such consent must be submitted to the Superintendent or designee.

The parent, tutor, or other person responsible for the school attendance of a child between the ages of sixteen (16) and eighteen (18) who is enrolled in school may request that the student be allowed to attend an alternative education program or a vocational-technical education program.

Compulsory attendance does not apply to any child who is under the age of seventeen (17) and is attending or seeking admission to a National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Louisiana.

The principal may require certificates from practicing physicians, dentists, or nurse practitioners substantiating all illness. The principal may also require written evidence from church authorities relative to requiring religious observances.

Children granted excused absences for the above reasons shall be allowed to make up any school work which was missed or failed to be completed during the prescribed time. In such instances, the student's grade will not be given until the makeup work has been completed.

FAILURE TO COMPLY

Failure to abide by the compulsory school attendance laws of the state may result in a referral to Families in Need of Services (FINS) which is a state mandated program or to the District Court with jurisdiction.

Revised: August, 2001 Revised: August, 2005

Revised: June, 2002 Revised: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:226.1, 17:233; La. Children’s Code Art. 730; Bulletin 741, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Louisiana Department of Education.

STUDENT TRANSFER AND WITHDRAWAL

TRANSFER

Students are assigned to attend the school in the attendance area in which their residence is located. They may attend a school other than the one designated for their attendance zone; however, their parents must provide the necessary transportation.

Polk Elementary is declared a neutral zone, therefore, only students living on Fort Polk Reservation are eligible to attend Polk Elementary. Students living on the reservation, may, however, attend the school of their choice.

Students who have not had a change of residence during the school year may not transfer to more than one (1) school during the school year. Exceptions may be granted through application by the parent/guardian to a committee composed of the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance and the two (2) principals of the schools affected by said transfer.

WITHDRAWAL

Students shall be required to attend school in accordance with statutory provisions. Students may be permitted to withdraw from school however, if approved by the Superintendent and Board. Such withdrawal must be in accordance with such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Board.

A child between the ages of seventeen (17) and eighteen (18) may withdraw from school prior to graduation if both of the following circumstances exist:

1) ~~with the~~ Written consent of is granted by his/her parent, tutor or legal guardian; and,

2) An exit interview is conducted where the student and his/her parent, tutor, or legal guardian provide written acknowledgement that withdrawal from school shall likely reduce the student’s future earning potential and increase the student’s chance of unemployment.

Revised: August, 2001

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§13:1569, 17:81, 17:101 et seq., 17:221, 17:226, 17:227; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 1-10-80, 12-12-89.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

The policy of the Vernon Parish School Board shall be that no mode of attire will be considered proper for school wear that distracts from or disrupts classroom and school decorum, creates a safety concern or possibly creates a health concern. Students are required to wear uniforms. Clothing should be clean and students are expected to dress in a neat and appropriate manner at all times. Extremes in style, fit and grooming will not be permitted. The principal of each school shall make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress according to guidelines as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Any special occasions for different attire approved by the principal shall be allowed.

Students entering school shall be allowed two (2) weeks to purchase uniforms and comply with the policy. After this "grace" period, students attending school without the proper uniform shall not be allowed to go to class. Parents shall be called to pick them up or bring the proper uniform. Continued flagrant violation of the uniform policy shall result in students being suspended from school.

BODY ARMOR

Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.

The School Board shall notify all students of the provisions of this policy.

DISCIPLINE FOR DRESS CODE VIOLATION:

1st offense -- Warning and change.

2nd offense -- 1 day ISS/detention/time out room.

3rd offense -- 1 day suspension for habitual rule violations.

Revised: July, 2000

Revised: June, 2001

Revised: August, 2002

Revised: September, 2002

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: Scott v. Board of Education, 304 N.Y.S. 2d 601 (1969); Karr v. Schmidt, 460 F.2d 609 (5^th Cir. 1972); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9, 17:81, 17:416.7; Board minutes 7-1-99, 6-6-00, 2-6-01, 5-7-02.

The School Board shall notify all students of the provisions of this policy.

~~SPECIAL EDUCATION~~

It shall be the policy of the Vernon Parish School Board to identify, locate, and evaluate each exceptional child residing within the parish who is in need of special education and related services, and to provide or cause to be provided a free appropriate public education to each eligible exceptional child residing within the parish who is not voluntarily enrolled in an approved non-public school program.

~~Accordingly, it is the policy of the Board to:~~

~~A. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION~~

~~Prior to its adoption of an LEA application, the School Board shall:~~

~~(1) Make the application available to the general public~~

~~(2) Hold public hearings~~

~~(3) Provide an opportunity for comment by the general public on the application~~

~~(4) Conduct public participation activities in accordance with statutory provisions.~~

~~B. RIGHT TO EDUCATION~~

~~All exceptional children ages three (3) through twenty-one (21) have the right to a free appropriate education.~~

~~C. FULL EDUCATION~~ ~~OPPORTUNITY~~ ~~GOAL~~

~~Full educational opportunities are available to all exceptional children residing within the jurisdiction of the School Board.~~

~~D. PRIORITIES~~

~~Funds provided shall be used in the following order of priorities:~~

~~(1) To provide free appropriate public education to first priority children, including the identification, location, and evaluation of first priority children.~~

~~(2) To provide free appropriate public education to second priority children, including the identification, location, and evaluation of second priority children.~~

~~(3) To meet other statutory requirements.~~

~~E. CHILD IDENTIFICATION~~

All children who are exceptional, regardless of the severity of their exceptionality, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated; and a practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services.

~~F. INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAM~~

An individualized education program for each exceptional child is developed or revised at the beginning of each school year, and review of if appropriate, revise its provisions periodically but not less than annually.

~~G. PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS~~

Due process procedures for parents and children include full and effective notice, formal parental approval, rights of exceptional children, confidentiality of information, surrogate parents, conciliation, initiation of hearings, hearing procedures, hearing officers and cost.

~~H. LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT~~

~~To the maximum extent appropriate, exceptional children, including in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not exceptional.~~

Special classes, separate schooling or other removal of exceptional children from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the exceptionality is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

~~I. PROTECTION IN EVALUATION PROCEDURES~~

Testing and evaluation materials and procedures used for the purposes of evaluation and placement of exceptional children must be selected and administered so as not to be racially or culturally discriminatory.

~~J. PERSONNEL DEVELOPMENT~~

~~The comprehensive system of personnel development established by the Louisiana Department of Education will be implemented.~~

~~K. PARTICIPATION OF NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN~~

~~To the extent consistent with their number and location, provision is made for the participation of private school exceptional children in programs and services funded.~~

~~L. PLACEMENT OF CHILDREN IN NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS~~

~~An exceptional child who is placed in or referred to a non-public school or facility by a public agency:~~

~~(1) Is provided special education and related services~~

~~(a) In conformance with an individualized education program~~

~~(b) At no cost to the parents; and~~

~~(c) At a school or facility which meets the standards that apply to State and local educational agencies; and~~

~~(2) Has all the rights of an exceptional child who is served by a public agency.~~

~~M. PUBLIC CONTROL OF FUNDS~~

~~Control of funds provided and title to property acquired with those funds, is in a public agency for the uses and purposes under this part, and that a public agency administers the funds and property.~~

~~N. EXCESS COST~~

~~Funds provided must be used only for excess costs directly attributable to the education of exceptional children.~~

~~O. NON-SUPPLANTING~~

Funds provided must be used to supplement and, to the extent practicable, increase the level of State and local funds expended for the education of exceptional children and in no case to supplant those State and local funds.

~~P. COMPARABLE SERVICES~~

Funds used must not provide services to exceptional children unless the agency uses State and local funds to provide services to those children which, taken as a whole, are at least comparable to services provided to other exceptional children in that LEA.

~~Q. INFORMATION REPORTS~~

The School Board will furnish information (which, in the case of reports relating to performance, is in accordance with specific criteria developed by the LEA and related to program objectives) as may be necessary to enable the State Department of Education to perform its duties under this Part including information of exceptional children participating in the LEA's programs for exceptional children.

~~R. RECORDS~~

~~The School Board will keep records and afford access to those records as the Louisiana Department of Education may find necessary to ensure the correctness and verification of all information.~~

~~S. LOCAL POLICIES CONSISTENT WITH STATUTE~~

All policies and programs established and administered by the School Board are consistent with pertinent laws and regulations, and any other standards adopted by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

~~T. NONDISCRIMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF HANDICAPPED INDIVIDUALS~~

Programs will be operated in compliance with Title 45 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 84 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Handicap in Benefitting from Federal Financial Assistance). Positive efforts shall be made to employ and advance in employment qualified handicapped individuals in programs being assisted.

~~U. ADVISORY COUNCIL~~

~~An advisory council, established in accordance with statutory regulations, will advise the parish on meeting the full educational opportunities goal.~~

~~V. GENERAL SUPERVISION~~

The Vernon Parish Special Education Program is under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Special Education, whose responsibility shall be the efficient operation of the special education program.

~~W. MONITORING~~

~~Monitoring and evaluation activities must be undertaken to ensure compliance of the local education agency with the policies and practices contained in state and federal laws.~~

~~Ref: P.L. 94-142; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:1941 to :1958.~~

IMMUNIZATIONS

The Vernon Parish School Board shall require all children entering any school for the first time and upon entering the sixth grade to present satisfactory evidence of immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases according to state law and a schedule approved by the state office of public health, or shall present evidence of an immunization program in progress. In addition, a student who is eleven (11) years old and entering a grade other than the sixth grade shall provide satisfactory evidence of current immunization against meningococcal disease. The Board may require immunizations or proof of immunity more extensive than required by the office of public health. Any student failing to meet the immunization standards shall be prohibited from attending school until such time as the immunization standards are met.

A child transferring from another school system in or out of the state, shall submit either a certificate of immunization or a letter from his/her personal physician indicating immunization against the diseases mentioned above and/or any others which may be required, and certificate or statement indicating that the tests required have been performed, or a statement that such immunizations and tests are in progress. In progress shall mean that the child has an immunization due after the date school has begun, because the child began his/her immunization late, or because the child's pediatrician has provided written orders for the child to receive an immunization after a certain date.

If booster injections for the diseases enumerated on the state schedule are advised, such booster injections shall be administered before the child enters a school system within the state.

Principals, or their designated representatives, of all schools shall be responsible for checking students' records to see that the provisions of this policy are enforced.

No child seeking to enter any school in the school district shall be required to comply with the provisions of this written policy if the child or his/her parent or guardian submits either a statement from a physician stating that this procedure is contraindicated for medical reasons, or a written dissent from the parents is presented. Exception in compliance may also apply to any person who is unable to comply due to a shortage in the supply of available vaccinations against meningococcal disease.

If an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease occurs, upon the recommendation of the state office of public health, school administrators may exclude from attendance unimmunized students until the appropriate disease incubation period has expired, or the unimmunized person presents evidence of immunization.

Revised: December, 1990 Revised: December, 2008

Revised: December, 1991

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:170, 170.1, 17:170.2, 17:170.3.

BOARD MEMBER CONTINUING EDUCATION

Each Vernon Parish School Board member shall be required to receive a minimum of four (4) hours of training and instruction annually in the school laws of this state, in the laws governing the powers, duties and responsibilities of school boards, the Open Meetings law, the Public Bid laws, and in educational trends, research, and policy. In a school district with a school(s) identified as academically unacceptable or in need of academic assistance, at least two (2) of the required hours shall focus on the improvement of schools. Such instruction may be received from a post-secondary education institution in this state, from instruction sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education, or from an in-service training program conducted by a school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA), provided that the instruction and method for demonstrating attendance has been approved by the LSBA. Each School Board’s member’s attendance shall be reported by the instructor to the LSBA.

The Superintendent shall be responsible for verifying that the instruction provided meets the requirements of state laws.

Revised: December, 2008

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:53.

SCHOOL BOARD ETHICS

Recognizing that as a member of a public school board and that each Vernon Parish School Board member is filling a position of public trust, responsibility, and authority endowed by the State of Louisiana, the Vernon Parish School Board, individually and collectively, shall subscribe to the principles of the Louisiana School Boards Association, by which a school board member should be guided.

In addition, certain actions of elected officials may be considered improper, and in some circumstances, illegal. Actions which may present a conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, or solicitations, or gratuities, abuse of authority of office or position, and decisions regarding the employment of a family member of an official are all subject to statutory restrictions. The ethical conduct of Board members, as well as other designated officials, shall be in accordance with state law.

GIFTS

Acceptance of personal gifts by any Board member or employee of the Vernon Parish School Board from persons or firms doing business with the School Board, or any department or school thereof, is prohibited. Reduced cost and/or free travel expenses are also defined as gifts with regard to this policy provision. This policy provision does not preclude acceptance of food, drinks, or refreshment of a social nature or participation in a social event, provided the value of the food, drink, or refreshment does not exceed that amount permitted under state law. It also shall not preclude the acceptance of campaign contributions for use in meeting campaign expenses by any employee or Board member who is or becomes a candidate for election to any public office.

NEPOTISM

No member of the immediate family of an agency head shall be employed in his/her agency. No member of the immediate family of a member of a governing authority or the chief executive of a governmental entity shall be employed by the governmental entity, with limited exception as outlined below.

The provisions above shall not prohibit the continued employment of any public employee nor shall it be construed to hinder, alter, or in any way affect normal promotional advancements for such public employee where a member of a public employee's immediate family becomes the agency head of such public employee's agency, provided that such public employee has been employed in the agency for a period of at least one year prior to the member of the public employee's immediate family becoming the agency head.

Exceptions

1. The School Board may employ any member of the immediate family of any Board member or the Superintendent as a classroom teacher provided that such family member is certified to teach. Any School Board member or Superintendent whose immediate family member is employed by the School Board shall recuse himself/herself from any decision involving the promotion or assignment of teaching location of the employee.

2. The School Board may employ an immediate family member of an athletic director of a school as a coach at such school.

PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS

Any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, with limited exception as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §42:1120, from participating in a transaction in which he/she has a personal substantial economic interest of which he/she may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity. Also, any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, except as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §42:1120, from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his/her actual knowledge, any of the following persons has a substantial economic interest:

(1) Any member of his/her immediate family.

(2) Any person in which he/she has a substantial economic interest of which he/she may reasonably be expected to know.

(3) Any person of which he/she is an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee.

(4) Any person with whom he/she is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment.

(5) Any person who is a party to an existing contract with such public servant, or with any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, or who owes any thing of economic value to such public servant, or to any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, and who by reason thereof is in a position to affect directly the economic interests of such public servant.

Every public employee shall disqualify himself/herself from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity when a violation of state law would result.

ABUSE OF OFFICE

No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to provide himself/herself, any other public servant, or other person with any thing of economic value.

No School Board member shall act in an individual capacity without the authorization of the School Board to use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any personnel decision, including the promotion, discipline, discharge, or assignment of work to any school employee.

No School Board member shall use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any school employee to make any decision concerning benefits, work assignment, or membership in any organization.

TRANSACTIONS AFTER TERMINATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

No former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for the Board.

No former member of the School Board shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service on such Board, contract with, be employed in any capacity by, or be appointed to any position by the Board, except that the School Board may employ a former member for any classroom teaching position which requires a valid Louisiana teaching certificate or a school psychologist with a valid certificate in school psychology, provided the former School Board member holds such a certificate.

DEFINITIONS

Agency means a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity. For public servants of political subdivisions, it shall mean the agency in which the public servant serves, except that for members of any governing authority and for the elected or appointed chief executive of a governmental entity, it shall mean the governmental entity.

Agency head means the chief executive or administrative officer of an agency or any member of a board or commission who exercises supervision over the agency.

Immediate family as the term relates to a public servant means his/her children, the spouses of his/her children, his/her brothers and their spouses, his/her sisters and their spouses, his/her parents, his/her spouse, and the parents of his/her spouse.

Public servant means a public employee or an elected official.

Political activity means an effort to support or oppose the election of a candidate for political office in an election.

Substantial economic interest means an economic interest which is of greater benefit to the public servant or other person than to a general class or group of persons, except:

(a) The interest that the public servant has in his/her position, office, rank, salary, per diem, or other matter arising solely from his/her public employment or office.

(b) The interest that an elected official who is elected to a house, body, or authority has in a position or office of such house, body, or authority which is required to be filled by a member of such house, body, or authority by law, legislative rule, or home rule charter.

Transaction involving the governmental entity means any proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, case, or other such particular matter which the public servant or former public servant of the governmental entity in question knows or should know:

(a) Is, or will be, the subject of action by the governmental entity.

(b) Is one to which the governmental entity is or will be a party.

(c) Is one in which the governmental entity has a direct interest. A transaction involving the agency of a governmental entity shall have the same meaning with respect to the agency.

Revised: October, 1997 Revised: September, 2006

Revised: November, 1999 Revised: December, 2008

Revised: August, 2003

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann.§§17:81, 17:428, 42:1101, 42:1102, 42:1112, 42:1115, 42:1115.1, 42:1116, 42:1119, 42:1121, 42:1123; Board minutes, 9-4-03, 10-10-06.

On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to change the location of the June 4, 2009 Board meeting to Fort Polk.

On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution for the Rapides Foundation Wellness Grant:

VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD R E S O L U T I O N

WELLNESS GRANT

RESOLVED, on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by the Board, that the Vernon Parish School Board designated Jackie D. Self, Superintendent, to initiate, negotiate, and sign for grants for the Wellness Grant Agreement with Rapides Foundation and the Vernon Parish School Board.

_______________________________

Steve Woods, Board President

I hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct extract from the minutes of a regular meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board held on February 5, 2009, at which there was a quorum present and voting.

Attest: _______________________, Jackie D. Self, Secretary-February 5, 2009

In other business, Mark Smith reported that the Salary/Personnel Committee had met and reviewed the personnel changes for February and would make its recommendation to the Board at the February 10, 2009 Board meeting.

Beryl Ford stated that the Curriculum Committee meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2009 has been rescheduled for March 10, 2009 at 4:00PM.

Mrs. Ford also gave a report on the Headstart Policy Council meeting and recommended an update for the organizational chart. This will be on the Agenda March 10^th for Curriculum Committee discussion.

Superintendent Self also discussed the draft of the 2009 Stimulus Bill.

On motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their condolences to the family of Bryant Fowler who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Fowler was a retired teacher and was the husband of Lessie Fowler, also a retired teacher from Vernon Parish; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Fowler was a longtime resident of Vernon Parish and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their condolences to the family of Marie Guillory who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Guillory was a retired cook from the Vernon Parish School Board and the mother of Ronald Guillory and the mother-in-law of Debbie Guillory; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Guillory was a resident of Leesville and she will be greatly missed by her friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their sympathy to the family of Ben Salter who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Salter was the brother of Peggy Green, cook at Rosepine, and the uncle of Terry Joplin, teacher at Rosepine; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Salter was a resident of Rosepine and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their condolences to the family of Barbara Hollis Shay who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Shay was the daughter of J.T. Staggs, former Vernon Parish School Board member; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Shay was a lifelong resident of the Leesville/Vernon Parish area and she will be sadly missed by her friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their sympathy to the family of Verna Hunt who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hunt was an avid supporter of our schools and volunteered for many community activities; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Hunt was a longtime resident of Leesville and she will be greatly missed by hr friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Vernon McRae who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McRae was the father of Brian McRae and the father-in-law of Donna McRae, former employee of the Vernon parish School Board; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McRae was a longtime resident of Leesville, very active in community affairs, and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their sympathy to the family of Philip North who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. North was a World War II veteran having served in the U.S. Army; and

WHEREAS, Mr. North was active in the community, a lifelong resident of Leesville, and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOVLED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.

On motion of Robert Pynes, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their condolences to the family of Robert ”r;Bob” Williamson who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was very active in civic and church activities and an avid supporter of Leesville schools; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was a longtime resident of Leesville and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends; now

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.

There being no further business, and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

__________________________

STEVE WOODS, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

_____________________________

JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT