On September 22, Head Start had a parent Volunteer workshop. In this workshop parents were explained the various ways they could volunteer and the rules. OCTOBER 6, 2009
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00AM, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. 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
ROBERT PYNES JR.
MARK H. SMITH
RICKY REESE
BERYL FORD
RANDY MARTIN
VERNON TRAVIS
GAYE MCKEE
M. GENE HAYMON
COL. FRANCIS B. BURNS
ABSENT: MEL HARRIS - BUSINESS OBLIGATION
There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Father Kenneth Michiels.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Smith.
On motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of October 1, 2009.
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board to approve the following resignations:
Jessie Gill, bus driver/Evans
Teresa Harlow, teacher/PES
Sherry Jeter, bus aide/WLE
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve the following sabbatical leave request:
Tammy Littleton, teacher/ELE-MEDSABB 9-1-09/1-15-10
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to approve the following requests for a leave without pay:
Linda Thompson, custodian/Pitkin-MED LWOP-9-3-09/1-27-10
Sandra Suydam, custodian/Pitkin-MED LWOP-8-13-09/3-1-20
Miriam Kay, bus driverRRTW-MED LWOP-8-28-09/5-28-10
Peter Sliman, bus driver/WLE-LWOP 10-6-09/5-28-10
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to approve the following list of new employees:
Joni Harville, headstart aide/NPE-replacing Linda Fox LWOP 1 year)
Stacy Cook, Sped Aide/Pitkin- ½ time-student need
Kelly Rogers, Sped aide/WLE-child specific aide-student need
Carmen Alomar, bilingual aide ½ time/ELE- student need
Marian Wilborn, headstart aide/ELE-replacing Amanda Hunt (trns to LA4)
Kiyo Smith, custodian/NPE-replacing Frances Neal (trns to aide position)
Sandra Chaney, teacher/Hicks-RRTW-replacing Jamie Busby (RTI coach)
Janelle Bryan, teacher/PES-replacing Robyn Hilt (trns to new class)
Edgar Evans, Jr., Sped aide/PHS-aide specific - student need
Gregory Olson, teacher/PES-replacing Teresa Harlow(resigned)
Mamie Smith, teacher/PHS-RRTW-new class-student need
Andrew Simms, teacher/PES-new class-student need
Carolyn Maddox, teacher/Pitkin-RRTW
Linda Williams, teacher/LJHS-RRTW
Catherine Haley, teacher/Evans-RRTW-student need-new class
Florence Endris, software facilitator/central office-RRTW
Kimberly Sheppard, cook/PHS-replacing Donna Smith(terminated)
Susan Teegardin, teacher/NPE-new class-student need
Terri Leone, teacher/ELE-replacing Tammy Littleton(1/2 year SABB)
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve the following employee transfers:
Nancy (Liz) VanDine, Sped teacher/ELE- trns to WLE as RTI teacher
Robyn Hilt, teacher/PES-I/S trns to 4th grade (new class)
Lotoria Gilbert, Sped aide/LJHS-trns to NPE to headstart teacher-new class
Cheri Cryer, gen fund aide/LJHS-trns to central office finance clerk-replacing Ramona Tuck
Jessica Kennedy,headstart clerical 10 months to 12 months
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to approve the following employee retirements:
Paulette Jeane, sales tax, disability retirement
Patricia Gill, cook/RES-disability retirement
On motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by Vernon Travis , the Board voted to adopt the following policy changes and/or additions:
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
The purpose of administering medication in the school setting is to assist students who require medicine during school hours to maintain an optimal state of health and therefore enhance and fulfill their educational program.
The intent of this policy is to assure safe administration of medicines in the school. The procedures contained herein apply to both prescription and non-prescription or over the counter medicines.
When possible, arrangements should be made for all medications to be given at home, before and after school. If medication is given no more frequently than three (3) times a day or every eight (8) hours, it can be given at home.
Written parental permission and a signed physician's, dentist's or other authorized prescriber's order shall be furnished to the school before any prescription or non-prescription medication shall be dispensed. Non-prescription medication shall be given at home unless there is a written statement from the student's authorized prescriber stating it is necessary to be given at school.
The Vernon Parish School Board and the school nurse shall not be responsible for any non-prescription medication administered to any student without a written authorized prescriber's order.
The designated school personnel administering medications shall request a copy of drug information from the pharmacist, the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) or from the school nurse for each medication being administered so that he or she will be familiar with the common side-effects and precautions for each medication.
Medications shall be stored in a locked cabinet or drawer. Medication requiring refrigeration shall be refrigerated in a secure area. Exceptions are as noted in Students with Chronic Illnesses, below.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION
The principal of each school, or designee, usually the school secretary, may administer medications to students during school hours under the Vernon Parish School Board guidelines and under the overall supervision of the registered nurse assigned to that school.
All persons administering medications in the school shall be inserviced by the registered nurse assigned to that school regarding the Vernon Parish School Board medication policies and procedures. These persons shall be observed by the school nurse at least annually in the administration of medications. There shall be at least one trained back-up person to administer medications when the designee is absent from work.
Documentation
Each school shall use a daily log form on which to record the date and time a medication is given and the initials of the person administering it. This form shall be kept at the site where the medicine is actually given. It shall be easily accessible to facilitate recordings.
The school nurse or designee shall record each dose of medication administered at school. The person who is delegated to give medication shall be instructed in the proper way to record medications given.
All log sheets shall be kept on file in the individual schools until the end of each school year. At that time, they shall be turned in to the school nurse to be filed in the School Health office for future reference. The log sheets shall be kept on file for a period of five (5) years.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMINISTRATION
Administering medication to a student can be fraught with legal problems, administrative complications, and adverse side effects. For this reason, only medications that are deemed necessary by the student's other authorized prescriber to be administered during school hours shall be administered at school. No medication shall be allowed in the parish public school system unless prescribed, as noted on the Medication Order by a physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber, and submitted by the parent/legal guardian.
Long-Term Medications:
A written statement shall be required (annually).
1. From the physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber, who shall indicate the name of the medication, the route, the dosage, frequency and time of administration, the reason the medication needs to be given (diagnosis), possible side effects, and termination date. The parent or guardian must submit a Medication Order to be filled out by the authorized prescriber. These will be kept on file at school.
2. From the parent, who shall sign and submit the Medication Order to the school to give the medication in the dosage prescribed by the physician. The parent or guardian shall co-sign the form authorizing administration of medications by the school. The parent or guardian must notify the school of any changes in medication type, time, or dosage. A new Medication Order must be obtained to reflect these changes.
3. The parent/guardian or designated adult shall be responsible for bringing to the school any medication that is required to be administered at school, including prescription and non-prescription medications. No more than a twenty-five (25) day supply of medication for the student may be kept at school.
4. In the presence of the parent or adult who delivered the medication, the unlicensed trained school employee specifically designated to receive the medication for the student shall verify the label with the order on file.
Both the employee and the parent/adult shall count the number of tablets received and sign the medication log to document the amount, date and time of delivery.
Short-Term Medications: Over the counter or prescribed for less than two (2) weeks.
1. A Medication Order shall be required upon initiation of medication from the physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber and parent as outlined under Long-Term Medications.
Injectable Medications:
Injectable medications shall not be given at school except in an emergency situation. There must be written instructions (Physician’s Authorizing for Special Health Care) from a physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber; there must be written permissions from the parent or legal guardian for the procedure; and the injection must be given by appropriately trained personnel and under the supervision of school personnel or the school nurse.
Administration of Medication Procedures:
1. A written order from a physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber licensed in Louisiana or an adjacent state shall be obtained and shall include:
a. Name of child
b. Name of medication
c. Reason for the medication (diagnosis)...that it is required to administer medication during school hours
d. The dosage route, and time it is to be given
e. Any special directions for administering the medication
f. Possible side-effects
g. The date medication should be stopped
2. A written statement from the parents or guardian shall be required, giving permission for the student to receive the medication in school, as prescribed by the physician.
3. A duplicate bottle of the medication shall be obtained, if possible. Parents should ask the pharmacist for duplicate bottles of the medication. One bottle should be kept at home, the other at school. Both bottles should contain the name of and telephone number of the pharmacist, student's ID, name of authorized prescriber, name of medication, dosage and times to be given, and the route of administration. The parent/guardian shall be responsible for sending a five (5) day supply of student's medication to school each week.
4. Any administration of medication in the schools shall be under the overall supervision of the school nurse who shall routinely review medication permits, physician's orders, and daily logs. The nurse shall also be responsible for inservicing school personnel on medication policies and procedures as needed on an on-call basis.
5. Procedure:
a. Check the label on the medication bottle to assure the correct medicine is given to the student.
b. Check the prescription to assure the proper dosage is given in the prescribed way.
c. Log in the date and time given and initial same on medication log sheet.
d. Make sure the designated school staff is aware of the potential benefits and side-effects of the medication being taken by the student.
1) This information may be obtained from the pharmacist, prescriber, PDR (Physician's Desk Reference), or school nurse.
2) Report any unusual reaction according to guidelines stated herein.
e. Watch for any student self-administering medication for which the school has no authorization. Report this to the student's parents, the school principal and the school nurse.
6. If a medication is lost, stolen, or spilled, or if the child refuses to take it or spits it out, a reasonable attempt will be made to reach the parents. If the parents cannot be reached, the school personnel shall not be held responsible. These particular situations must be documented and signed by the person(s) involved.
STUDENTS WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES:
The above policies may be difficult to enforce strictly with students who have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and asthma. (Those students who are reliable and require frequent medication or have been trained to administer their own medication may under certain circumstances retain their medications in their possession and administer same in rare circumstances. A Medication Order shall be submitted by the parent in all such cases.)
The guidelines for self administration are the same as with school administered medication. Any "as needed" medications, i.e. inhalers for asthmatics or prescribed needs for students with migraine headaches shall be kept at the designated central medication area and dispensed by school personnel unless there is authorized self-administration. There may be a rare exception when medication needs to be with child at all times, and such circumstances shall require a written statement from an authorized prescriber stating such. If the parent and the authorized prescriber agree that the student can be trusted with self-medication, permission of the principal must be obtained before the child self-administers medication.
Asthma or the Use of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine
Self-administration of medications by a student with asthma or the use of auto-injectable epinephrine by a student at risk of anaphylaxis shall be permitted by the School Board, provided the student’s parent or other legal guardian provides the school in which the student is enrolled with the following documentation:
A. Written authorization for the student to carry and self-administer such prescribed medications,
B. Written certification from a licensed medical physician or other authorized prescriber that the student:
1. has asthma or is at risk of having anaphylaxis
2. has received instruction in the proper method of self-administration of the student’s prescribed medications to treat asthma or anaphylaxis
C. A written treatment plan from the student’s licensed physician or other authorized prescriber for managing asthma or anaphylactic episodes. The treatment plan shall be signed by the student, the student’s parent or other legal guardian, and the student’s physician or other authorized prescriber. The treatment plan shall contain the following information:
1. The name, purpose, and prescribed dosage of the medications to be self-administered.
2. The time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what additional special circumstances the medications are to be administered.
3. The length of time for which the medications are prescribed.
D. Any other documentation required by the School Board.
The required documentation shall be maintained in the office of the school nurse or other designated school official.
The School Board shall inform the parent or other legal guardian of the student in writing that the school and its employees shall incur no liability as a result of any injury sustained by the student from the self-administration of medications used to treat asthma or anaphylaxis. The parent or other legal guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school shall incur no liability and that the parent or other legal guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims that may arise relating to the self-administration of medications used to treat asthma or anaphylaxis.
A student who has been granted permission to self-administer medication by the School Board shall be allowed to carry and store with the school nurse or other designated school official an inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, at all times.
Permission for the self-administration of asthma medications or use of auto-injectable epinephrine by a student shall be effective only for the school year in which permission is granted. Permission for self-administration of asthma medications or the use of auto-injectable epinephrine by a student shall be granted by the School Board each subsequent school year, provided all of the requirements of this part of the policy are fulfilled.
Upon obtaining permission to self-administer asthma medication or to use auto-injectable epinephrine, a student shall be permitted to possess and self-administer such prescribed medication at any time while on school property or while attending a school sponsored activity. A student who uses any medication permitted by this policy in a manner other than as prescribed shall be subject to disciplinary action; however, such disciplinary action shall not limit or restrict such student’s immediate access to such prescribed medication.
Auto-injectable epinephrine means a medical device for the immediate self-administration of epinephrine by a person at risk for anaphylaxis.
Inhaler means a medical device that delivers a metered dose of medication to alleviate the symptoms of asthma.
GUIDELINES FOR ALLERGIC REACTIONS:
The school nurse acts as a liaison between parent, child and physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber; therefore, any noticed undesirable side-effects or lack of therapeutic effects shall be promptly reported to the school nurse and the student's parents or legal guardian.
An allergic reaction is a medical emergency that requires immediate action:
1. Procure emergency medical treatment authorization card for the student
2. Notify appropriate school personnel of emergency and obtain directive from same if time permits
3. Notify the student's parents or guardian and authorized prescriber as soon as possible for directives and of actions taken
4. If the allergic reaction is immediately life threatening and requires the student to be sent immediately to a medical facility, enact the 911 system when possible and transfer the student via ambulance to the designated facility. Transmitted with emergency personnel should be the student's health and allergy information including:
a. Suspected or known allergies
b. Medication that has been administered
5. Document the reaction through an accident report
6. Notify the school nurse as soon as possible. The school nurse shall follow up by assisting as appropriate in the emergency care of the student and by documenting for future reference the:
a. Medical intervention, any medication, resuscitation or hospitalization
b. Allergen/Medication that triggered the reaction
c. Medications prescribed
d. Any necessary follow up with the student/parent and/or school staff regarding the student's condition and health education pertaining to allergic reactions.
GUIDELINES FOR MEDICATIONS ERRORS:
A medication error is a potential medical emergency that requires immediate action. If a student is administered the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, or medication at a wrong time especially sooner than prescribed:
1. The student shall be observed closely for any unusual reaction.
2. Procure the student's emergency medical treatment authorization card.
3. Notify the appropriate school personnel of the error and obtain directives from same.
4. Notify the student's parent or guardian and authorized prescriber as soon as possible for directives and actions taken.
5. If the error requires medical attention or any unusual reaction develops, send the student to the appropriate medical facility via parental transport or ambulance. The student's health and allergy information should be sent with the student, including the medication, dosage, and time of administration of the medication error.
6. Document the error through an accident report.
7. Notify the school nurse as soon as possible. The school nurse shall follow up by assisting as appropriate in the emergency care of the student and by documenting for future reference:
a. Medical intervention, any medications, resuscitation or outside medical care.
b. Any unusual reaction or sequelae from the error.
c. Any necessary follow up with the student/parent and or school staff regarding the student's condition and education pertaining to the error.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PLAN FOR FIELD TRIPS
Medication should be administered to students on field trips only when absolutely necessary.
1. Unlicensed trained school employees may administer medication to a student while on a field trip in accord with the student's medication administration plan.
2. Medication administered on field trips require all the documentation and conditions that any other medication at school requires.
3. Medication shall be transported in a proper pharmacy labeled container. Caution: Ritalin is a controlled substance and must be properly safeguarded.
4. A copy of the medication administration plan with emergency phone numbers including health care provider phone numbers shall accompany the child.
EARLY DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL
On days when schools are dismissed at or prior to noon, the school personnel shall not be responsible for administering midday medications.
STUDENT CONFIDENTIALITY
All student information shall be kept confidential. The parent/legal guardian shall be required to sign the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information form, so that health information can be shared between the School Board and health care providers, such as hospitals, physician, service agency, school nurse, and/or other health provider.
Revised: October, 1993 Revised: October, 2001
Revised: March, 1995 Revised: June, 2008
Revised: December, 1995 Revised: September, 2009
INVESTIGATIONS
GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS
In the event that a Vernon Parish School Board member or staff member believes a condition exists within the school system that warrants investigation by the staff, such person shall convey his/her concerns to the Superintendent. Should the Superintendent determine that the situation warrants investigation, he/she shall have the matter investigated by appointing appropriate staff personnel (one or more persons) to make the necessary inquiries. At the conclusion of their investigation, a report shall be prepared for submission to the Superintendent.
Any investigation undertaken in the school system shall be conducted in accordance with the following stipulations:
1. No Board member shall participate in any manner in an investigation.
2. The Superintendent shall use every means possible to protect School Board personnel from unwarranted personal criticism.
In any investigation into incidents involving accidents or injuries to students or employees, or involving student misconduct, or the competence, honesty or performance of duties of Board employees, all employees of the Vernon Parish School Board shall, upon reasonable request by the Superintendent or his/her designee, give a statement of the facts and circumstances within the employee's knowledge, or an accounting of the employee's conduct concerning the circumstances which are the subject of the investigation or are related to the matter being investigated.
If deemed appropriate by the Superintendent or his/her designee in the conduct of such investigation, employees of the Vernon Parish School Board shall, upon reasonable notification, appear at the offices of the Superintendent or at such other suitable location within the parish as might be appropriate and convenient in the investigation.
During any such employee interview, the employee may have legal representation if desired by the employee, but said representation shall be at no cost to the Vernon Parish School Board.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST EMPLOYEES AFFECTING STUDENTS
Any allegations made against employees involving students, including the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance by a person or persons in the employ of the Vernon Parish School Board shall be reported immediately and directly to the Superintendent. Such allegations also may be made by parents or guardians.
When such allegations are reported, the Superintendent shall direct the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance to make an initial investigation of the allegations and report his/her findings within three (3) working days. Based on the report of the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, the Superintendent may:
1. Conclude that the allegations are unfounded and direct no further action on the matter.
2. Convene a formal Board of Inquiry to further investigate the allegations and, if necessary, determine appropriate action with regard to the person(s) alleged in the complaints. The Board of Inquiry shall be composed of the Superintendent, or his/her designee, the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, the Director of Special Services and the Legal Counsel of the Vernon Parish School Board. Prior to, during, or following the investigation by the Board of Inquiry, the Superintendent may direct the suspension, with or without pay, of the person(s) alleged to have committed the impermissible corporal punishment and/or moral offense involving students.
3. Employees ascertained to have violated the provisions of this policy shall be subject to dismissal and prosecutions as provided by law.
Nothing in this policy shall be construed as abridging or otherwise diminishing the rights afforded employees and students of due process as provided by law. Further, this policy shall not be considered a defense in law against persons making false complaints against the Vernon Parish School Board and/or its employees.
INVESTIGATIONS RELATIVE TO PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT OF EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE
The Vernon Parish School Board, in accordance with state law, shall provide for an investigation of an employee, in cases where the Board has made a public announcement that an employee may be disciplined, whether or not there is an accompanying reduction in pay. The investigation shall proceed as outlined below under Reporting Procedures. Not later than thirty (30) days after the conclusion of the investigation and prior to any Board action to implement such disciplinary action, the employee may appear, if he/she so determines, before the School Board in open session and be given a reasonable time, as determined by the Board, to comment on the investigation and any actions taken or proposed to be taken involving the employee.
These provisions shall not be applicable to any reduction in force initiated by the Board.
IMPERMISSIBLE CORPORAL PUNISHMENT OR MORAL OFFENSES
If an employee is accused of impermissible corporal punishment, or of a moral offense involving a student, a prompt, thorough investigation shall be conducted by the Superintendent or designee. The investigation shall proceed as outlined below under Reporting Procedures. A written report of the results of the investigation shall be prepared, and the employee shall be provided with a copy of such report. The Superintendent may promulgate such administrative regulations as he/she deems necessary to implement this policy. Any employee found to have violated the provisions of Board policy shall be disciplined by such means as appropriate to the incident, including reprimand, suspension, termination, and/or referral to the local child protection agency/law enforcement.
If the allegation falls within the definition of abuse as defined in Board policy JGCE, Child Abuse, then all school employees with knowledge of such incidents become mandatory reporters and the allegations must be reported to child protection or law enforcement as provided by state law and Board policy. Such reporting shall be made and applied in conjunction with the procedures outlined in this policy.
REPORTING PROCEDURES
Any complaint relative to employee conduct shall be handled as follows:
(1) The Superintendent or his/her designee may order such investigation to be conducted in each instance as is warranted by the circumstances.
(2) The investigation shall be conducted by the Superintendent or his/her designee. These rules contemplate informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons and their representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit evidence relevant to the complaint. Staff members or students may be interviewed if it is deemed essential to the investigation.
(3) The Superintendent or his/her designee shall confer with each accused employee’s immediate supervisor concerning the results of the investigation and the immediate supervisor shall discuss the matter with the employee.
(4) A written determination as to the validity of the complaint and a description of the resolution, if any, shall be issued by the Superintendent or designee and a copy forwarded to the complainant no later than (30) days after its filing.
(5) If charges are founded, the Superintendent shall recommend proper disciplinary action to the School Board, based upon investigative evidence gathered, which may include termination of employment of the employee. Any disciplinary action will be placed in the offender's personnel file which will reflect the action taken and the grounds thereof.
Revised: September, 2009
Ref: 21 USC 821; 21 CFR 1300.11 et seq.; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403, 17:81, 17:81.6, 17:81.8, 17:402 et seq., 40:961 et seq.
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:436.1; Louisiana Administrative Code, Vol. 18, Education (BESE), Section 929, Administration of Medication, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 1-10-95, 7-10-08.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN EMPLOYEES AND STUDENTS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require that all communications between employees and students be appropriate and in accordance with state law. All electronic or any other communications by employees to students at any time shall be expected to be professional, acceptable in content to any reasonable person, and limited to information that is school-related or is acceptable to both student and parent.
All electronic communication, including electronic mail, by an employee at a school to a student enrolled at that school relative to the educational services provided to the student shall use a means provided by or otherwise made available by the school system for this purpose and the School Board shall prohibit the use of all such system means to electronically communicate with a student for a purpose not related to such educational services, except communication with an immediate family member if such communication is specifically authorized by the School Board.
Any electronic communication made by an employee at a school to a student enrolled at that school or that is received by an employee at a school from a student enrolled at that school using a means other than one provided by or made available by the school system shall be reported by the employee in a manner deemed appropriate by the School Board. Records of any such reported communication shall be maintained by the School Board for a period of at least one (1) year.
DEFINITIONS
1. Electronic Communication includes any direct communication facilitated by voice or text-based telecommunication devices, or both, computers, as well as those devices that facilitate indirect communication using an intermediate method, including but not limited to Internet-based social networks. It shall also include transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature in whole or in part by wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectric, or photo-optical system and pertains to both personal and School Board issued devices.
2. Electronic mail – the transmission of text-based information or communication by use of the Internet, computers, a facsimile machine, a pager, a cellular telephone, a video recorder, or any other electronic device or means sent to a person identified by a unique address or address number and received by that person.
3. Computers – pertains to any and all computers.
4. Social networks – locations on the Internet where users may interact with other users -- examples are Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and other social networks sites available on the internet.
5. Improper or inappropriate communications – any communication between employee and student, regardless of who initiates the communication, that may be viewed as derogatory, sexual or lewd in content, threatening or harassing, discriminatory, simple fraternization, or suggestive in nature.
NOTIFICATION
The School Board shall ensure that at the beginning of each school year each employee, student, and parent, or other person responsible for a student’s attendance, be notified of the provisions of this policy and any related procedures or practices regarding communications between employees and students.
The parent or other person responsible for a student’s attendance shall also be notified of his/her right to request that his/her child not be contacted through electronic communication by any school employee unless the purpose of such communication is directly related to the child’s educational services and is sent to and received by more than one student at the school.
INAPPROPRIATE COMMUNICATIONS
The School Board is aware that the reputations and careers of students and educators have been damaged due to inappropriate communications between parties. Therefore, it is the intent of the Vernon Parish School Board to make all employees and students aware of the expectations and procedures of the school system and the School Board in regard to proper use of all telecommunication devices and computers if used to communicate with one another. The policy is not intended to limit the use of technology as an effective teaching tool.
In addition to reporting communication to or from students not made through the means provided by the school system, employees must report to their supervisor at the first opportunity available, any student-initiated communication that may be construed as inappropriate.
Employees shall be required to comply with all policies, procedures, and practices established by the School Board regarding direct communications with a student, and any failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Extreme circumstances may constitute willful neglect of duty. Should an employee’s failure to comply also violate state or federal law, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall report such violation to the proper authorities.
Violations
1. Any violation of this policy shall be immediately investigated by the employee's supervisor. The investigation shall include dates, the name of the person reporting the allegation, and the specific allegation made.
2. The supervisor shall meet with the employee to document his/her response to the allegation. The employee shall be required to cooperate fully with the investigation.
3. All information of the investigation shall be provided to the Superintendent and the Personnel Director by the supervisor.
Violations of this policy or any implementing regulations or procedures may result in discipline of the employee up to and including termination of employment
New policy: September, 2009
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:40.3, 17:81, 17:239.
EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL
The Vernon Parish School Board and its administrative staff believes that it has an obligation to provide the children attending its schools with the very best personnel available regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin or any similar personal characteristic. Age shall be considered only with respect to minimums set by law.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate procedures for reviewing and evaluating any and all applicants for selection, including administrative and supervisory personnel, and assuring adherence to applicable state and federal legal requirements. Selection of personnel to fill all positions shall be made on a non-discriminatory basis with selection procedures and evaluative criteria known to all applicants. Applicants should not resort to the use of political, social, or other pressures to gain employment or promotion.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
The School Board shall select teachers and all other personnel from recommendations made by the Superintendent. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure that all persons recommended have proper certification where applicable, and are qualified for the position. Nothing shall prevent the School Board from rejecting the recommendation made by the Superintendent and requiring the Superintendent to submit additional recommendations.
CERTIFIED PERSONNEL
The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall consult with the principal regarding any possible selections made by the Superintendent for hiring or placement of any teacher or other certified personnel at the school in which the principal is employed. In addition, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall consult with teachers regarding any possible selections made by the Superintendent for the hiring or placement of a principal at the school in which such teachers are employed, subject to the provisions of any applicable court order.
The Board shall require all teaching personnel employed by the district to possess those qualifications set forth by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and by all applicable accrediting agencies. The Board also recognizes that these qualifications, as well as qualifications for all positions, are set up to promote minimum standards. The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall strive to employ persons who exceed these minimum requirements, whenever possible.
BUS DRIVERS
The School Board shall only employ as school bus drivers those persons who have met all state and federal requirements for such positions. Whenever a school bus operator is needed to drive a new route or a route vacated by a previous operator, the school bus operator who is tenured and has acquired the greatest seniority shall be offered the opportunity to and may change from driving his/her route to the vacant route before another operator is selected. If the tenured bus operator with the greatest seniority chooses not to change to the vacant route, the route shall then be offered in order of seniority to a school bus operator who has acquired tenure.
If no tenured operator chooses to change to the vacant route, the route shall then be offered to a full‑time probationary bus operator.
If no regular bus operator, tenured or probationary, chooses to change to the vacant route, then a substitute bus operator shall be selected for the position from a list of approved substitute school bus operators. If no tenured, probationary, or substitute bus operator wants the route, then a new driver shall be hired.
Whenever a school bus operator owning his/her own bus retires, the Board shall first offer a vacated route to any person meeting the requirements of the School Board who is willing to acquire the bus of the retiring operator at full appraised value. This provision shall be applicable only when the bus owned by the retiring operator has been manufactured within a period of five (5) years immediately prior to the operator's retirement and the operator is retiring due to a documented physical disability.
The School Board may select an operator to fill a vacant route using a different process than outlined above, but only if the Board is required to bear an increase in the unreimbursed costs for nonpassenger miles over those attributable to the previous operator who vacated the route.
Whenever a vacancy occurs on a route due to death, resignation, retirement, or the expiration of the regular operator's approved leave, or a new route is established, the route shall be filled with a regular school bus operator using the process stated above no later than the following school year unless the route is consolidated or eliminated.
If an operator is on approved leave, his/her route shall not be considered a vacant route. A substitute shall be used to drive a route for an operator on approved leave regardless of the length of time of the approved leave.
OTHER SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Applicants shall be selected for support positions based on criteria as may be determined by the School Board. Unless specifically covered by a written employment contract expressly entered into by the individual employee and the Board, school employees shall be hired on an at-will employment basis, which means they are subject to dismissal by the Board upon the written recommendation of the Superintendent. School employee shall mean any employee of the Board that is not required to hold a valid teacher's certificate as a condition of employment or is not a bus driver. All appointments shall be temporary until ability to perform assigned tasks has been determined.
DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION BY APPLICANT
Prior to hiring any employee, the School Board shall request the applicant to sign a statement that requests and authorizes the release and disclosure of information by the applicant's current or previous employer, if such employer is a city, parish, or other local public school board, relative to all instances of sexual misconduct with students as defined by BESE regulations, as committed by the applicant, if any. Prior to hiring any employee, the School Board shall require the applicant to sign a statement that authorizes the release and disclosure of the following information by the applicant’s current or previous employer(s):
1. All actual cases of sexual misconduct with a minor or student by the applicant.
2. All instances of sexual misconduct with students, as defined by BESE, committed by the applicant, if any, if such employer is/was a city, parish, or other local public School Board.
Adult sexual misconduct in schools, as defined by BESE for the purposes of disclosing information to the School Boards includes sexually inappropriate behavior by the adult that is directed at a student, including but not limited to sexually-related conversations, jokes, or questions directed at students. More specifically, sexual misconduct is:
a. any conduct that would amount to sexual harassment under Title IX of the (U.S.) Education Amendments of 1972, as amended;
b. any conduct that would amount to a sexual offense affecting a minor under state criminal codes;
c. any sexual relationship by a school employee with a student, regardless of the student’s age; with a former student under 18; with a former student (regardless of age) who suffers from a disability that would prevent consent in a relationship. All students enrolled in the school and in any organization in which the school employee holds a position of trust and responsibility are included;
d. any activity directed toward establishing a sexual relationship such as sending intimate letters, engaging in sexualized dialogue in person, via the Internet, in writing or by phone, making suggestive comments, dating a student.
3. All investigations of sexual misconduct by the applicant with a minor or student that occurred within thirty-six (36) months prior to the applicant’s resignation, dismissal, or retirement from employment.
4. All actual or investigated cases of abuse or neglect committed by the applicant, if any, if such employer is/was the Louisiana School for the Deaf, the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, or the Louisiana Special Education Center.
In accordance with the Louisiana Children’s Code, Art. 603:
1. Abuse means any one of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health and safety of the child:
a. The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.
b. The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.
c. The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or the caretaker of the child's sexual involvement with any other person or of the child's involvement in pornographic displays, or any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of Louisiana.
2. Neglect means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or condition of the child, as a result of which the child's physical, mental, or emotional health is substantially threatened or impaired. Neglect includes parental neglect. Consistent with Louisiana Children’s Code, Art. 606(B), the inability of a parent or caretaker to provide for a child due to inadequate financial resources shall not, for that reason alone, be considered neglect. Whenever, in lieu of medical care, a child is being provided treatment in accordance with the tenets of a well‑recognized religious method of healing which has a reasonable, proven record of success, the child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be neglected or maltreated. However, nothing herein shall prohibit the court from ordering medical services for the child when there is substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare.
If an investigation determined that a formal allegation of an applicant was inconclusive, unjustified, or otherwise without cause for further formal pursuit, the applicant shall not be required to disclose such information.
The statement shall also request the current or previous employing School Board make available to the School Board, within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the request, copies of all documents as contained in the applicant's personnel file maintained by such employer relative to instances of sexual misconduct, if any. Such request for information shall include a copy of the required statement signed by the applicant.
The School Board may employ any applicant on a conditional basis pending the Board's review of any information obtained pursuant to this request. However, in accordance with statutory provisions, the School Board shall not hire any applicant who does not sign the statement as required by law.
Any information obtained by the School Board as a result of the statement and request outlined above shall be used by the Board only for the purpose of evaluating an applicant's qualifications for employment in the position for which he/she has applied, is not subject to the state public records statutes, and shall not be disclosed to any person, other than the applicant, who is not directly involved in the process of evaluating the applicant’s qualifications for employment.
In addition to the above, the applicant shall grant permission by signing a statement on the application form that permits the School Board to have access to any and all reference, background, and previous employment information and to receive copies of any such documentation from a current or previous employer.
CRIMINAL HISTORY OF APPLICANTS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require, in accordance with state law, applicants for employment with the School Board to submit necessary information regarding their backgrounds. A prospective employee shall be required to provide authorization for the disclosure of any information regarding past criminal activities, including arrests for, convictions of, or having pled nolo contendere to any criminal offense.
A standard applicant fingerprint card acceptable to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information and a disclosure authorization form shall be provided the applicant by the School Board or may be obtained from local police authorities. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to have his/her fingerprints taken by a qualified individual and submitted to the proper authorities for processing. Applicants shall be required to pay ½ the costs associated with fingerprinting or the disclosure of background information at the time of application.
1. No person who has been convicted of or has plead nolo contendere to crimes listed in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1 shall be hired as a teacher, substitute teacher, bus driver, substitute bus driver, or janitor, or as a temporary, part-time, or permanent school employee of any kind, unless approved in writing by a district judge and the district attorney with jurisdiction in this parish, or if employed on an emergency basis, unless approved in writing by the Superintendent. Any such statement of approval shall be kept on file at all times at the location wherein the employee is assigned and shall be produced upon request by any law enforcement officer.
2. For the purposes of reviewing the criminal history of prospective employees, any person employed to provide cafeteria, transportation, janitorial or maintenance services by any person or entity that contracts with a school or school system to provide such services shall be considered to be hired by the school system.
3. Every such prospective employee shall be subjected to fingerprinting and each person's fingerprints shall be submitted to the proper authorities for a criminal history review.
4. A person who has submitted his/her fingerprints may be temporarily hired pending the results of the inquiry.
5. Upon the final conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere of any crimes enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, except La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:74 (criminal neglect of family), any teacher may be dismissed following a hearing held in accordance with statutory provision.
6. Any other school employee if such employee is convicted of or pleads nolo contendere to crimes enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, except La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:74, may be dismissed.
7. A teacher or any other School Board employee shall report any final conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any criminal offense, excluding traffic offenses, to the School Board within forty-eight (48) hours of conviction or plea.
8. The Board may reemploy a teacher or other school employee who has been convicted of crimes enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, except La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:74, only upon written approval of a district judge and the district attorney who has jurisdiction in this school district, or upon written documentation from the court in which the conviction occurred stating that the conviction had been reversed, set aside, or vacated.
Revised: December, 1992 Revised: September, 2005
Revised: June, 1998 Revised: September, 2006
Revised: October, 2001 Revised: September, 2008
Revised: August, 2002 Revised: September, 2009
Revised: August, 2005
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§11:710, 15:587, 15:587.1, 17:15, 17:81, 17:81.9, 17:430, 17:493.1, 23:897; La. Children’s Code, Art. 603; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 8-4-05, 9-6-05, 10-10-06, 10-7-08.
EMPLOYEE CONDUCT
The Vernon Parish School Board believes the teaching profession occupies a position of public trust involving not only the individual teacher's personal conduct, but also the interaction of the school and the community. Education is most effective when these many relationships operate in a friendly, cooperative, and constructive manner. A teacher's conduct, as well as the conduct of all employees throughout the school district, should meet acceptable standards of the community and show respect for the law and the rights of others.
All employees, volunteers, student teachers, interns, and any other person affiliated with the Vernon Parish School Board have the responsibility to be familiar with and abide by the laws of the state, the policies and decisions of the School Board, and the administrative regulations and procedures designed to implement Board policies. Employees and others shall also comply with the standards of conduct set out in this policy and with any other policies, regulations, procedures, or guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards of conduct attendant to their status as School Board employees.
Employees and all others shall be expected to observe at least the following standards of conduct:
! Be courteous to students, one another, and the public and conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner.
! Recognize and respect the rights and property of students, other employees, and the public.
! Maintain confidentiality of all matters relating to students and other employees.
! Demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality with regard to assigned activities and work schedules.
! Observe and adhere to all terms of an employee's contract or job description.
! Strive to keep current and knowledgeable about the employee's area of responsibility.
! Refrain from promoting personal attitudes and opinions for matters other than general discussion.
! Refrain from using undue influence to gain, or attempt to gain, promotion, leave, favorable assignments, or other individual benefit or advantage.
! Advocate positive personal behavior on or off campus and attempt to avoid improprieties or the appearance of improprieties.
While the operation of the School Board and its schools is governed by the provisions of this and all other Board policies, regulations, and procedures, as well as procedures of the individual schools, no policy manual can list each and every instance of misconduct that is precluded. Accordingly, employees are cautioned that the appropriateness of certain action or behavior must necessarily be dictated by the nature of the position held by the employee and standards of common sense. By virtue of one's education and experience, an employee knows and understands that certain actions or conducts are unacceptable even in the absence of formal Board policy. For instance, without the need of a specific prohibition or warning, a classroom teacher should be aware of the impropriety of certain practices such as leaving students unattended, using profanity or sexually suggestive language, or bringing a firearm onto campus. Such conduct constitutes both incompetence and willful neglect of duty. Such conduct, as well as violation of any state or federal law or Board policies, regulations, or procedures, or school regulations or procedures, shall result in the imposition of discipline up to and including termination.
PROHIBITED SEXUAL CONDUCT
Employees shall be prohibited from engaging in any form of sexual conduct with students. In particular, it is a violation of criminal statutes for any educator, which includes any administrator, coach, instructor, teacher, paraprofessional, teacher aide, or student aide, to engage in sexual conduct, as defined in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:81.4 with a student who is seventeen (17) years of age or older, but less than nineteen (19) twenty-one (21) years of age, where there is an age difference of greater than four (4) years between the two persons.
Notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication, any educator, having cause to believe that prohibited sexual conduct has occurred between another educator and a student, shall be required by state law to immediately report such conduct to a local or state law enforcement agency.
NOTIFICATION BY EMPLOYEES
A teacher or any other School Board employee shall report any final conviction or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any criminal offense, excluding traffic offenses, to the School Board within forty-eight (48) hours of conviction or plea.
Revised: September, 2006
Revised: November, 2007
Revised: September, 2008
Revised: September, 2009
Ref: 41 USC 702 (Drug-Free Workplace); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:81, 14:81.4, 17:15, 17:81; Sylvester v. Cancienne, 95-0789 (La. App. 1st Cir. 11/9/95), 664 So.2d 1259; Howard v. West Baton Rouge Parish School Board, 2000-3234 (La. 6/29/01), 793 So.2d 153; Spurlock v. East Feliciana Parish School Board, 03-1879 (La. App. 1st Cir. 6/25/04), 885 So.2d 1225; Board minutes, 10-10-06, 12-6-07, 10-7-08.
TRUANCY
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes truancy as absence from class or school for any portion of a period or day without permission from home or school. Students shall not be allowed to leave the campus without proper permission at any time during the school day, including before school begins, after school while waiting for their bus, or any disciplinary session which the student has been directed to attend. Students shall remain on the campus at all times unless granted permission to be off-campus, or be subject to disciplinary action. Violations of attendance laws and regulations may lead to suspension and/or expulsion from school.
School personnel shall be expected to make every reasonable effort to assist a child who is habitually absent or tardy. A student shall be considered habitually absent or habitually tardy when either condition continues to exist after all reasonable efforts by any school personnel, truant officer, or other law enforcement personnel have failed to correct the condition after the fifth (5th) unexcused absence or fifth (5th) unexcused occurrence of being tardy within any school semester. Any student who is a juvenile and who is considered habitually absent from school or habitually tardy shall be reported by visiting teachers and Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance to the family or juvenile court of the parish or city as a truant child.
Tardy, for the purpose of notification, shall include, but not be limited to being late to school, or leaving or checking out of school unexcused prior to the regularly scheduled dismissal time at the end of the school day. However, it shall not include reporting late to class when transferring from one class to another during the school day.
GUARDIAN RESPONSIBLE
With regard to any student in grades kindergarten (K) through eighth (8th) grade who is considered habitually absent or tardy, in any case where the student is the subject of a court ordered custody or visitation plan, the parent or legal guardian who is lawfully exercising actual physical custody or visitation of the student shall be responsible for the student’s attendance at school on those days and shall be solely responsible for any absence or tardiness of the child on such days.
Revised: December, 1990 Revised: September, 2009
Revised: October, 1994
Revised: September, 2008
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:221.1, 17:223, 17:228, 17:233; Louisiana Children’s Code, Art. 728, 730; Board minutes, 10-7-08.
DISCIPLINE
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes the necessity for reasonable control and discipline over the conduct of pupils under its jurisdiction. It is the purpose of the Vernon Parish School Board to operate the schools in a manner that will provide an orderly process of education and that will provide for the welfare and safety of all pupils who attend these schools. The school's primary goal is to educate, not discipline; however, when the behavior of the individual pupil comes in conflict with rights of others, corrective actions may be necessary both for the benefit of that individual and the school as a whole.
Every teacher in the public school system shall endeavor to hold each pupil to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school, or on the playgrounds of the school, on the street or while going to or returning from school, or during intermission or recess. To assist the teacher, the Board shall establish regulations for the use of disciplinary measures within the schools and continually monitor and appraise their usefulness. Discipline shall be administered uniformly, consistently, and in a nondiscriminatory manner.
Principals shall have both the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of any pupil(s) materially interferes with or substantially disrupts the maintenance of a proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or other parts of the school. However, no pupil shall be disciplined in any manner by the School Board or school administrator, teacher, or other school employee for the use of force upon another person when it can be reasonably concluded that the use of such force more probably than not was committed solely for the purpose of preventing a forcible offense against the pupil or a forcible offense provided that the force used must be reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent such offense. A pupil who is the aggressor or who brings on a difficulty cannot claim the right stated above to defend himself/herself.
Each teacher may take disciplinary action to correct a pupil who disrupts normal classroom activities, who is disrespectful to a teacher, who willfully disobeys a teacher, who uses abusive or foul language directed at a teacher or another pupil, who violates school rules, or who interferes with an orderly education process. The disciplinary action taken by the teacher shall be in accordance with such regulations and procedures established by the Board.
STUDENT REMOVAL FROM CLASSROOM
A pupil may be immediately removed from a classroom by the teacher and placed in the custody of the principal or designee if the pupil's behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other pupils, poses an immediate threat to the safety of pupils or the teacher, or when a pupil exhibits disrespectful or threatening behavior toward a teacher such as using foul or abusive language or gestures directed at or threatening a pupil or teacher, when a pupil violates the school’s code of conduct, or when a pupil exhibits other disruptive, dangerous, or unruly behavior, including inappropriate physical contact, inappropriate verbal conduct, sexual or other harassment, throwing objects, inciting other pupils to misbehave, or destroying property. If removed, the student shall not receive credit for school work missed. The pupil should not be kept out of school past the suspension period imposed by the principal.
A student removed from the classroom shall be assigned school work missed and shall receive either partial or full credit for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or his/her designee, upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher.
Any pupil removed from class in kindergarten through grade 6 shall not be permitted to return to class for at least thirty (30) minutes unless agreed to by the teacher. A pupil removed from class in grades 7 through 12 shall not be permitted to return to class during the same class period, unless agreed to by the teacher initiating the disciplinary action.
Whenever a teacher is struck by a pupil, the pupil, in addition to any other discipline given, shall be permanently removed from the teacher's classroom, unless the teacher objects, or unless the principal, with the concurrence of the building level committee, finds the striking incident to be entirely inadvertent. (Moved from below)
Upon the pupil being removed from class and sent to the principal's office, the principal or designee shall conduct a counseling session with the pupil to discuss the particular misconduct. Once removed, the pupil shall not be readmitted to the classroom until the principal has implemented one of the following disciplinary measures:
a. In-school suspension
b. Detention
c. Suspension
d. Initiation of expulsion hearings
e. Assignment to an alternative school
f. Requiring the completion of all assigned school and homework which would have been assigned and completed by the pupil during the period of suspension.
g. Any other disciplinary measure authorized by the principal with the concurrence of the teacher or building level committee.
Parental Notification
The principal or his/her designee shall provide oral or written notification to the parent or legal guardian of any student removed from the classroom. Such notification shall include a description of any disciplinary action taken.
When a pupil has been removed from a classroom, the teacher may require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to have a conference with the teacher in the presence of the principal or his or her designee before the pupil is readmitted. Upon the pupil's third removal from the same classroom, the teacher and principal shall discuss the pupil's disruptive behavior and contemplated disciplinary measures to be taken before the principal implements such measures. If appropriate, a referral of the matter may be made to the appropriate building level committee. In addition, a conference between the teacher or other appropriate school employee and the pupil's parent, tutor, or legal guardian shall be required prior to the pupil being readmitted. If the disruptive behavior persists, the teacher may request that the principal transfer the pupil into another setting.
PARENT CONFERENCES
In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil to attend a conference or meeting regarding the pupil'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, in accordance with statutory provisions, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction. "Notice" of the conference, specifying the time and date of the conference, shall be given by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card or by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card.
REPORTS TO PRINCIPAL
Any teacher or other school employee may report to the principal any pupil who acts in a disorderly manner or is in violation of school rules, or any misconduct or violation of school rules by a pupil who may or may not be known to the teacher or employee. Incidents of alleged discipline violations shall be reported on two (2) forms, one form to report only school transportation-related incidents and one form to report all other incidents the School Behavior Report/School Bus Behavior Report form provided by the Louisiana Department of Education. The forms shall be submitted in accordance with procedures outlined by the Board, School District, the Superintendent, and school system personnel. The principal shall review and act upon such information submitted, to determine if suspension or other disciplinary action is necessary.
Should the principal fail to act on any report of misconduct or school violation, he/she shall explain the reasons for doing so to the Superintendent or designee and to the teacher or school employee reporting the violation.
DELINQUENT STUDENTS
Pupils who regularly disrupt the normal school environment shall be considered as delinquent, and may be reported by appropriate school personnel to the juvenile court. Any pupil that exhibits disruptive behavior, an incorrigible attitude, or any other discipline problems in general may be recommended by the principal for expulsion, assignment to an appropriate alternative education program, or transfer to adult education if the pupil is:
1. Seventeen (17) years of age or older with less than five (5) units of credit toward graduation;
2. Eighteen (18) years of age or older with less than ten (10) units of credit toward graduation; or
3. Nineteen (19) years of age or older with less than fifteen (15) units of credit toward graduation.
SCHOOL VIOLENCE
Students who threaten or commit serious acts of violence may be suspended from school, recommended for expulsion, and/or referred to the proper law enforcement officials.
Incidents of hazing, bullying, and attempts at intimidation of students shall be dealt with severely.
DEFINITIONS (Moved below)
In-school suspension means removing a pupil from his/her normal classroom setting but maintaining him/her under supervision of the school. Pupils participating in in-school suspension may receive credit for work performed during the in-school suspension. Any pupil who fails to comply fully with the rules for in-school suspension shall be subject to immediate suspension.
Detention means activities, assignments, or work held before the normal school day, after the normal school day, or on weekends. Failure or refusal by a pupil to participate in assigned detention shall subject the pupil to immediate suspension.
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.
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Discipline of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with policy JDF, Discipline of Students With Disabilities. applicable statutes or federal law and regulations.
DEFINITIONS
Suspension shall mean that student is temporarily prohibited from participating in his/her usual placement within school. This usually involves temporary removal from school.
In-school suspension means removing a pupil from his/her normal classroom setting but maintaining him/her under supervision of the school. Pupils participating in in-school suspension may receive credit for work performed during the in-school suspension. Any pupil who fails to comply fully with the rules for in-school suspension shall be subject to immediate suspension. shall mean (1) student is removed from his/her usual classroom placement to an alternative setting for a minimum of one complete school day, and (2) No interruption of services occurs. (An alternative setting may be located on or off the school site, provided that the student continues to receive instructional services and remains under the supervision of school personnel or their designees.)
Detention shall means activities, assignments, or work held before the normal school day, after the normal school day, or on weekends. Failure or refusal by a pupil to participate in assigned detention shall subject the pupil to immediate suspension. Assignments, activities, or work which may be assigned during detention include, but are not limited to, counseling, homework assignments, behavior modification program, or other activities aimed at improving the self-esteem of the pupil.
In-school expulsion shall mean (1) Student is temporarily removed from his/her usual classroom placement to an alternative setting for a period of time specified by the Office of Child Welfare and Attendance, and (2) No interruption of instructional services occurs. (An alternative setting may be located on or off the school site, provided that the student continues to receive instructional services and remains under the supervision of school personnel of their designees.)
Expulsion shall mean the removal of a student from school for at least one school semester.
Exclusion shall mean the removal of a pupil from a specific school with reassignment to another appropriate educational environment that addresses the student's educational needs without loss of instructional time.
Revised: December, 1990 Revised: August, 1999
Revised: December, 1992 Revised: August, 2003
Revised: November, 1993 Revised: September, 2009
Revised: August, 1994
Revised: September, 1997
Revised: June, 1999
Ref: 42 USCA 12112 et seq. (Equal Opportunity for Individuals with Disabilities); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:223, 17:224, 17:233, 17:239, 17:252, 17:416, 17:416.1; Regulations for Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 5-11-99, 9-4-03.
SUSPENSION
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes its authority to maintain good order and discipline within the schools of the school district. Therefore, the Board recognizes the principal's authority to suspend a pupil for a specified period of time in accordance with statutory provisions. The term of suspension may carry over into the next school year, when necessary, unless otherwise provided for in state statutes.
In each case of suspension, the school principal, or his or her designee, prior to any suspension, shall advise the student of the particular misconduct of which he/she is accused as well as the basis for such accusation, and the pupil shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his/her version of the facts. The principal/designee shall contact the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to notify them of the suspension, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the pupil. Notice shall be given by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card, or by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card. The principal shall promptly advise the Superintendent or designee of all such suspensions, stating the reasons for the suspensions.
No suspended pupil shall be allowed to leave the school premises during the school day until the parent, guardian, or other proper authorities assume responsibility for him/her, unless immediate removal from school due to danger or threat of disruption to academic process is warranted.
If the parent, tutor, or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of notification, the truancy laws shall be effective. On not more than one occasion each school year when the parent, tutor, or legal guardian refuses to respond to the notice, the principal may determine whether readmitting the pupil is in the best interest of the pupil. On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the pupil 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 pupil to attend a conference or meeting regarding the pupil'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, in accordance with statutory provisions, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.
When a pupil is suspended for a second time within one school year, the principal may require a counseling session be held with the parent and pupil by the school counselor. If no counselor is available, the conference may be held with all the pupil's teachers and the principal or other administrator.
Any student, after being suspended on three (3) occasions for committing drugs or weapons offenses involving a firearm, knife or other dangerous instrumentality, or drugs, narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances 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 pupil's reinstatement shall be subject to the review and approval of the Board.
The principal and other appropriate personnel shall be required to file written documentation of all suspensions. Said documentation shall include the circumstances surrounding any suspension, the reason for suspension, and any other pertinent facts concerning the disciplinary action. The principal shall file copies of his/her report with the Superintendent, other appropriate personnel and the parent or guardian and retain a copy for his/her records.
Upon the seizure by any teacher, principal, school security guard, or other school administrator of any firearm, knife, or other dangerous implement which could be used as a weapon or inflict injury, the principal or his or her designee shall be required to report the confiscation to appropriate law enforcement officials. (Moved from below)
Appeal
Any parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil suspended shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee, who shall conduct a hearing on the merits. If the parent or legal guardian is not present for the hearing after having been properly notified, the hearing may proceed and the results of the hearing shall be mailed to the parent or legal guardian within three (3) school days by certified mail, return receipt requested. The decision of the Superintendent on the merits of the case, as well as the term of suspension, shall be final, reserving to the Superintendent the right to remit any portion of the time of suspension.
Except for in-school suspensions, any pupil suspended shall receive no credit for school work missed while suspended.
MANDATORY SUSPENSION
Firearms, Knives, Other Dangerous Instrumentalities, Drugs
The principal shall be required to suspend a pupil who:
1. is found carrying or possessing a firearm or a knife with a blade two (2) inches or longer, or another dangerous instrumentality, except as provided below under the section entitled Suspension Not Applicable; or
2. possesses, distributes, sells, gives, or loans any controlled dangerous substance governed by state law, in any form.
Additionally, the principal shall immediately recommend the pupil's expulsion to the Superintendent, for the above offenses, except in the case of a student less than eleven (11) years of age in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 who is found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade two (2) inches or longer, the principal may, but shall not be required to recommend the student's expulsion. A student found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade less than two (2) inches in length may be suspended by the school principal, but, in appropriate cases, at a minimum, shall be placed in in-school suspension.
Assault or Battery of School Employees (Moved from below)
Whenever a pupil is formally accused of violating state law or school disciplinary regulations, or both, by committing assault or battery on any school employee, the principal shall suspend the pupil from school immediately and the pupil shall be removed immediately from the school premises without the benefit of required procedures, provided, however, that such procedures shall follow as soon as practicable. The student shall not be readmitted to the school to which the employee is assigned until all hearings and appeals associated with the alleged violation have been exhausted.
SUSPENSION NOT APPLICABLE
Suspension of a student 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 co-curricular 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. However, such student shall carry evidence of that prescription or physician's order on his/her person at all times when in possession of any controlled dangerous substance which shall be subject to verification.
In addition, school officials, in accordance with statutory provisions, shall have total discretion and shall exercise such discretion in imposing on a pupil any disciplinary actions authorized by state law for possession by a pupil 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 pupil's intent to use the firearm or knife in a criminal manner.
CREDIT FOR SCHOOL WORK MISSED
A student who is suspended for ten (10) days or fewer shall be assigned school work missed while he/she is suspended and shall receive either partial or full credit for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or his/her designee, upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher.
A student who is suspended for more than ten (10) days 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 is suspended.
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.
SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Suspension of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with applicable state or federal law and regulations.
Revised: December, 1992 Revised: August, 2007
Revised: August, 1994 Revised: September, 2009
Revised: December, 1995
Revised: July, 1996
Revised: September, 1997
Revised: August, 1999
Revised: August, 2003
Revised: August, 2005
Revised: September, 2006
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:223, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.2, 17:416.3; 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, 9-4-03, 9-6-05, 10-10-06, 10-4-07.
EXPULSION
The Vernon Parish School Board may expel a pupil from school if an offense committed by the pupil is serious enough to warrant such action or is in violation of state law. Upon the recommendation for expulsion of a pupil by the principal, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall conduct a hearing 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. 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 pupil shall remain suspended.
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, except for students expelled for offenses involving a firearm, knife or other dangerous weapon or instrumentality, or drugs, narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances, the School Board shall place the student in an alternative school or in an alternative school setting.
The parent or tutor of the pupil may, within five (5) days after the decision to expel has been rendered, request the Board to review the findings of the Superintendent or designee at a time set by the Board. After reviewing the findings of the Superintendent or designee, the School Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the action of the Superintendent or designee.
Any pupil who is expelled shall receive no credit for school work missed while he/she is expelled.
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.
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 Board through a recommendation for action from the Superintendent.
ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR EXPULSION
Pupils may also be expelled for any of the following reasons:
1. Any pupil, 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 (2) inches in length.
3. In accordance with federal regulations, a pupil determined to have brought a weapon to a school under the 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 involving a firearm, knife or other dangerous instrumentality, or drugs, narcotics or other controlled dangerous substances 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 pupil's reinstatement shall be subject to the review and approval of the Board.
5. The conviction of any pupil of a felony or the incarceration of any pupil 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 pupil for a period of time as determined by the Board; such expulsions shall require the vote of two-thirds of the elected members of the Board.
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 co-curricular 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. However, such student shall carry evidence of that prescription or physician's order on his/her person at all times when in possession of any controlled dangerous substance which shall be subject to verification.
In addition, school officials, in accordance with statutory provisions, shall have total discretion and shall exercise such discretion in imposing on a pupil any disciplinary actions authorized by state law for possession by a pupil 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 pupil's intent to use the firearm or knife in a criminal manner.
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 pupil 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 pupil. Notice shall be given by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the pupil'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 pupil'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 pupil is in the best interest of the pupil. On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the pupil 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 pupil to attend a conference or meeting regarding the pupil'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 pupil 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 pupil and legal guardian or custodian agreeing in writing to the conditions stipulated. Any such agreement shall contain a provision for immediate removal of the pupil from school premises without benefit of a hearing or other procedure upon the principal or Superintendent determining the pupil has violated any condition agreed to. Immediately thereafter, the principal or designee shall provide proper notification in writing of the determination and reasons for removal to the Superintendent and the pupil'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 from any school in or out of state 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 shall not be enrolled or readmitted to any such school on a probationary basis prior to the completion of the period of expulsion 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(s) for the pupil’s expulsion. The rehabilitation or counseling programs shall be provided by such programs approved by the juvenile or family court having jurisdiction, if applicable, or by the School Board. The requirement for enrollment and participation in a rehabilitation or counseling program shall be waived only upon a documented showing by the pupil that no appropriate program is available in the area or that the pupil cannot enroll or participate due to financial hardship.
Review of Records
A pupil 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 pupil shall provide to the Board information on the dates of any expulsions and the reasons therefor. Additionally, the transfer of pupil 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
Expulsion of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with applicable state or federal law and regulations.
Revised: October, 1995
Revised: July, 1996
Revised: September, 1997
Revised: August, 1999
Revised: August, 2003
Revised: August, 2007
Revised: September, 2008
Revised: September, 2009
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, 9-4-03, 10-4-07, 10-7-08.
On motion of Mike Perkins, seconded by Ricky Reese, the Board voted to accept the low bid from Timmons Truck Center for $78,847.00 for an activity bus at Pitkin High School.
John Farris discussed the District End of Course test results.
Mrs. Beryl Ford gave the following report on the Headstart Program.
On September 22, Head Start had a parent Volunteer workshop. In this workshop parents were explained the various ways they could volunteer and the rules.
Policy Council was trained by Sondra Myers of Acadia Parish Head Start on September 24. New officers were elected and committees formed for the 09-10 school year.
Due to an enormous increase in the waiting list at Fort Polk, a new class was opened. Another teacher was hired and applications taken for the Para position.
We spoke with the Office of Head Start and were asked to rescind our request to reduce the enrollment number and change it from 250 to 285. We are currently working on that request.
Our current enrollment is 279.
On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
In other business, Superintendent Self stated that the Curriculum Committee scheduled a meeting for November 10, 2009 at 8:30AM and the Uniform/Dress Code Committee would meet at 8:00AM. Superintendent Self also informed the Board members that our current enrollment is up from last year at this time.
On motion of the entire Board, 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 Bryan A. Poston, Sr. who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poston was a retired Louisiana Senator having served twenty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Poston was a devoted family man, public servant, businessman, veteran, and friend who will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, church, and public; 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 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 School Board take this means to express their condolences to the family of Dorothy Hollis who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hollis was the mother-in-law of Doris Werner, retired teacher from Vernon parish; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Hollis was a longtime resident of Leesville and she will be greatly missed by her friends and family; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOVLED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
There being no further business, on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
____________________________________
STEVE WOODS, BOARD PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
____________________________________
JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT