JANUARY 12, 2010
THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON JANUARY 12, 2010 AT 10:00AM, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA. PRESIDENT PERKINS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
MICHAEL PERKINS, PRESIDENT
VERNON TRAVIS, VICE PRESIDENT
MEL HARRIS
ROBERT PYNES JR.
MARK H. SMITH
RICKY REESE
BERYL FORD
RANDY MARTIN
STEVE WOODS
GAYE MCKEE
M. GENE HAYMON
ABSENT: RANDI GLEASON - BUSINESS OBLIGATION
COL. FRANCIS BURNS - MILITARY OBLIGATION
There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Ricky Reese.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ricky Reese.
On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve and dispense with the reading of the minutes of January 7, 2010.
Superintendent Self presented Mrs. Sharon Beckcom, school nurse, a plaque for achieving the National Board Certification for School Nurses.
Ruby Smith, counselor at Pitkin High School, and students Jonathan Irey and Crystal Free presented information on the Governor’s Program on Abstinence and on motion of Beryl Ford, seconded by the Board, the Board voted to proclaim January 14, 2010 as LYFE Day for the public schools in Vernon Parish.
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board to approve the following resignations:
Andrew Simms, teacher/PES
Bettye McRae(RRTW)teacher/AHS
Wanda Blanco, secretary/SPE
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Mark Smith, the Board voted to approve the following sabbatical leave request:
Melissa Halstead, teacher/PHS-PROF SABB-1-19-10/5-28-10
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to approve the following request for a leave without pay:
Jessica Haymon, office aide/NPE-OTHER LWOP 1-4-10/6-11-10
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to approve the following list of new employees:
Brandy Sanders, teacher/LJHS-replacing Jeffrey Patterson (resigned)
Beverly Howell, sped aide/Evans-new position-student need
Christopher Moon, teacher/PES-replacing Andrew Simms (resigned)
Jessica Curiel, teacher/LHS-replacing William Drouilhet (retired)
Jamie Simonelli, secretary/central office-RRTW
Chase Stringer, teacher/AHS-replacing Bettye McRae (resigned)
On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve the following employee retirement:
Debra White, bus driver/PES
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to adopt the following policy changes/additions:
STUDENT RECORDS
Parents and guardians have the right to inspect and review any school records dealing with their children. Students eighteen (18) years of age or older have the sole right to inspect and review their respective student records. Review and dissemination of any student information shall be conducted under strict statutory precautions. Student records are defined to be all official records, files, documents, and other materials directly related to children, including all material that is incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder, and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system. Such items include, but are not necessarily limited to, identifying data, academic work completed, grades, standardized test scores, attendance data, scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests, and health data.
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION
All parents/guardians shall be notified annually of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Such notification shall be made annually by publication in student handbooks, newsletters, notification to student's home by students, by mail, or publication in the official journal or in such manner as deemed appropriate by the Board.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Information classified as directory information may be disclosed from a student's record without the written consent of the parent or eligible student. Directory information has been designated by the School Board to include the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, grade level, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous school attended and photograph or video. A parent or eligible student may refuse to allow the Board to designate any or all of the types of information about the student as directory information thus prohibiting its release to the public. After proper notice, a parent or eligible student shall have thirty (30) days in which to notify the School Board as to which types of information about the student shall not be designated as directory information.
In accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, schools shall honor the requests of military recruiters for names, addresses and phone numbers of high school students, unless parents have specified that such information not be released to such recruiters.
ACCESS TO RECORDS
1. The parent or legal guardian of a student shall have access to student records upon written request to the principal maintaining those records within the school system no more than forty-five (45) days after the date of the request.
If the student is eighteen (18) years or older, only the student has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to his/her records.
The parent, legal guardian or student, if the student is eighteen (18) or over, will, upon written request to the principal maintaining those records, have the opportunity to receive an interpretation of those records, have the right to question those data, and if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a letter in said cumulative folder stating their position. If further challenge is made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by Board policy will be followed.
2. School personnel having access to those data are defined as any person or persons under contract to the system and directly involved in working toward either the affective or cognitive goals of the system.
RELEASE OF INFORMATION OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM
1. To release student records to other schools or school systems in which the student intends to enroll, the parents, legal guardian or the student, if he/she is eighteen (18) years or over, must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of information being released. They shall receive a copy of such information if it is requested in writing and shall have the opportunity to challenge that record as described above.
2. Those data may be released to State Education and other governmental agencies only if the names and all identifying markings are removed to prevent the identification of individuals.
3. To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent shall be given by the parent, legal guardian or the student if he/she is 18 or older. Such consent form shall state which records shall be released, to whom they shall be released and the reason for the release. A copy of the student record being sent shall be made available to the person signing the release forms if he/she so desires.
4. The principal of a public elementary or secondary school shall provide for the transfer of the education records of any current or former student at his/her school upon the written request of any authorized person on behalf of a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school, or an educational facility operated within any correctional or health facility, whether within or outside the state of Louisiana, where such student has become enrolled or is seeking enrollment. Under no circumstances may a school or school district refuse to promptly transfer the records of any child withdrawing or transferring from the school. Transfer of records shall not exceed forty-five (45) days from the date of request, or ten (10) business days from the date of a written request by any authorized individual of an educational facility operated within any correctional or health facility in or out of Louisiana.
5. Student records shall be furnished in compliance with judicial orders or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena if the parents, legal guardian and students are notified in advance.
6. All authorizations for release of information shall be filed in the student cumulative folder.
7. The School Board and employees may disclose education records or information from education records, without the consent of the parent or guardian of the student who is the subject of the records, to certain law enforcement officials. Disclosure of such records or information shall be in accordance with the following provisions:
a. Disclosure of education records or information from education records shall only be made to state or local law enforcement officials or to other officials within the juvenile justice system. Verification of the official's position may need to be made before the disclosure of records or information.
b. The disclosure of the education record or information must relate to the ability of the juvenile justice system to serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records or information is to be disclosed.
c. The officials to whom the records or the information are disclosed shall certify in writing that that person, and any agency or organization with which that person is affiliated, shall keep the personally identifiable portions of the records or the information confidential and shall not disclose the personally identifiable portions of the records or the information to any person, agency, or organization except a person, agency, or organization within the juvenile justice system having an independent right to the information.
d. Any other provisions necessary to comply with federal law or rules.
REVIEW OF STUDENT RECORDS BY THE PARENT
1. Schools shall provide for the review of student records by parents or guardians. Parents and students shall be given notification of their right to review the student records.
2. A parent or guardian who desires to review his/her child's record shall contact the school for an appointment. A conference shall be scheduled as soon as possible, not to exceed one month. The disclosure record shall be completed at the time of the conference.
Prior to the scheduled conference, the principal shall review the record for accuracy and completeness.
3. The record shall be examined by the parent in the presence of the principal or a designated professional person.
The principal or a designated professional person shall provide the parent an opportunity to raise questions regarding information on the records.
A record of the review shall be made on the disclosure record.
4. If the parent or guardian requests a hearing to challenge information contained in the student's folder, a written request for the hearing shall be made and a hearing scheduled for a date not less than three (3) working days or more than two (2) weeks from the date of the requests.
a. The hearing shall be held with the principal and the parent or guardian at the scheduled time.
b. If the parent or guardian is not satisfied with the hearing with the principal, he/she shall have the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Superintendent or designee(s).
c. The parent or guardian shall request the appeal in writing to the Superintendent. Upon receipt of said request, the Superintendent shall schedule a hearing within ten (10) working days following receipt of the parent's request. The date, time and place of the review hearing shall be sent to the parent or guardian by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
5. At the review hearing:
a. The Superintendent or designee shall preside;
b. The parent or guardian and the principal shall be present. The student shall be present if requested by the parent or guardian or school official;
c. The decision of the hearing shall be communicated to the school and parent or guardian in writing within ten (10) working days;
d. The parent shall have the right to file a dissenting statement concerning the hearing; such statement shall become part of the student's cumulative folder.
Revised: October, 2001
Revised: February, 2003
Revised: December, 2009
Ref: 20 USC 1232 (g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), 34 CFR 99.1-99.67; 20 USC 7908; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:1955; Board minutes, 3-13-03.
INVESTMENT OF FUNDS
In the investment of surplus monies, the Vernon Parish School Board shall operate under the "Prudent Person" rule, exercising judgment and care, under the circumstances prevailing, which people of ordinary prudence would employ in the management of their own affairs - not in speculation, but as to the permanent disposition of their funds, considering both income and safety of capital.
The assets of the Vernon Parish School Board shall be held in trust by the fiduciaries designated by the Vernon Parish School Board.
This policy is not intended to remain static. Normally, the Vernon Parish School Board will review this policy at least annually and, if deemed advisable, recommend changes. Recommendations from outside professionals leading to improvements in policies, procedures, and operations are always welcome.
OBJECTIVES
The primary investment objective of the Vernon Parish School Board is to ensure that the current and future obligations are adequately funded in a cost effective manner. The goals of this investment policy shall be (1) safety of principal, (2) liquidity, and (3) yield.
Preservation of capital and the realization of sufficient total return to ensure the ongoing financial integrity of the funds are essential. Preservation of capital encompasses two (2) goals:
! Managing the risk of loss of principal for the fund as a whole.
! Managing the erosion of principal value through inflation.
RESPONSIBILITY
The investment of funds shall be managed by the Director of Finance, and may be accomplished by the selection of an investment manager(s).
GUIDELINES
The assets of the Vernon Parish School Board shall be invested, as provided in R.S. 33:2955(A)(1), as amended in the following:
1. Direct U.S. Treasury obligations, the principal and interest of which are fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
2. Bonds, debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by federal agencies and provided such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S., including U.S. Export Import Bank, Farmers Home Administration, Federal Financing Bank, Federal Housing Administration Debentures, General Services Administration, Government National Mortgage Association (guaranteed Title XI financing), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
3. Bonds, debentures, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued or guaranteed by U.S. government instrumentalities, which are federally sponsored, including Federal Home Loan Bank System, Federal Home Loan Marketing Association, and Resolution Funding Corporation.
4. Bonds, debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the state of Louisiana or any of its political subdivisions, with limited exceptions noted in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §33:2955.
5. Direct security repurchase agreements of any federal bank entry only securities enumerated in paragraphs (1) through (3) above. "Direct security repurchase agreement" means an agreement under which the political subdivision buys, holds for a specified time, and then sells back those securities and obligations enumerated in paragraphs (1) through (3).
6. Time certificates of deposit of any bank domiciled or having a branch office in Louisiana, savings accounts or shares of savings and loan associations and savings banks, or share accounts and share certificates accounts of federally or state chartered credit unions issuing time certificates of deposit; provided that the rate of interest paid for time certificates of deposit shall not be less than fifty basis points below the prevailing market interest rate on direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury with a similar length of maturity. Funds invested in accordance with this paragraph shall not exceed at any time the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in any one bank, or in any savings and loan association, or by the National Credit Union Administration in any one credit union, unless the uninsured portion is collateralized by the pledge of securities in the manner provided in R.S. 39:1221.
7. Mutual trust fund institutions which are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Act of 1940, and which have underlying investments consisting solely of and limited to securities of the U.S. Government or its agencies.
Notes
a. Investment of funds in such mutual or trust fund institutions shall be limited to 25% of the monies considered available for investment as provided by R.S. 332955(A)(2).
b. The Attorney General has determined that only mutual funds created as a Massachusetts business trust are acceptable investments (Op. Atty. Gen. 88-546(A)).
Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of daily cash balances above the day-to-day needs and funds set aside for portfolio strategy reasons. Short term investments of cash and cash equivalents may be placed in:
! Obligations of the U.S. Treasury, federal agencies, or U.S. government instrumentalities (as provided herein) with maturities of less than 2 years.
! Time certificates of deposit, as provided herein.
! Money market mutual funds, as provided herein.
! The Louisiana Asset Management Pool, Inc. as provided in Op. Atty. Gen. 88-546(A).
PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
The following transactions are expressly prohibited:
! Any transaction not authorized by this policy.
! The purchase of securities on margin.
! Director of purchases of single family or commercial mortgages.
! Purchase of foreign bonds.
! The short sale of securities.
! Investment in obligations issued or guaranteed by federal agencies or U.S. Government instrumentalities which are collateralized mortgage obligations that have been stripped into interest only or principal only obligations, inverse floaters, or structured notes. "Structured note" means securities of U.S. Government agencies, instrumentalities, or government-sponsored enterprises which have been restructured, modified, and/or reissued by private entities.
Revised: July, 1996 Revised: December, 2009
Revised: November, 1997
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:99, 33:2955, 39:1271; Board minutes, 6-4-96.
BIDS AND QUOTATIONS
PUBLIC WORKS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall advertise and let by contract, except in cases of emergencies as provided below, all public work exceeding $100,000 $150,000or such sum as allowed by law, including labor, materials, equipment, and administrative overhead not to exceed fifteen percent (15%). The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the contract, plans, and specifications advertised. Public works which are estimated to cost less than the contract limit may be undertaken by the Board with its own employees.
As an evidence of good faith of the bidder, the Board shall require bidders for construction, improvement, repair, or other work to attach to the bid submitted, a bid bond, certified check, or cashier's check for not more than five percent (5%) of the contract work to be done. The Board may require a bid bond or certified or cashier's check of not more than five percent (5%) of the estimated price on bids taken for supplies and materials.
When any bid is accepted for construction or doing any public works, a written contract shall be entered into by the successful bidder and the School Board, and the successful bidder shall furnish a bond in an amount not less than one-half of the amount of the contract, for the faithful performance of his or her duties.
Under no circumstances shall there be a division or separation of any public work project into smaller projects, which division or separation would have the effect of avoiding the requirement that public work be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with statutory provisions.
MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
All purchases of materials or supplies exceeding the sum of $20,000 $30,000 to be paid out of public funds shall be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the specifications as advertised. In addition, purchases of materials or supplies of at least $10,000, but not more than $20,000 $30,000, shall be made by obtaining not less than three (3) telephone or facsimile quotations. A written confirmation of the accepted offer shall be obtained and made a part of the purchase file. The Board may require a written contract or bond when purchasing the materials or supplies. If quotations are received that are lower than the quote accepted, a notation shall be entered into the file as to the reasons for rejection of the lower quotes.
Purchases cannot be divided by departments or by a school if the effect is to evade the state's public bid law. Purchases of commodities that are bought in small but recurring amounts through the year shall be bid on an annual basis.
EMERGENCIES
In cases of an emergency or extreme emergency when time is not sufficient to advertise for bids for public works or purchase of materials, the Board or designee is permitted by law to declare that a public emergency or extreme public emergency exists and extend a contract for more than the sums mentioned without going out to bid; however, in such cases every effort shall be made by the administration to secure competitive quotations through negotiations. State law permits a person designated by the Board to declare the existence of an extreme public emergency. Notices of an emergency or extreme emergency shall be published in the Board’s official journal within ten (10) days of the emergency being certified by the School Board or designee.
USE OF STATE CONTRACT
The School Board may make use of valid contracts put in place by the State of Louisiana Office of State Purchasing. The Board may also piggyback, or purchase materials and supplies on valid contracts of other political subdivisions.
BID ADVERTISEMENTS
All advertisements for bids for public works shall appear in the newspaper selected as the official journal for the School Board, except in emergencies as may be declared by the Board. Any advertisement for any contract for public works, when published, shall appear once a week for three (3) different weeks in a newspaper in the locality and the first advertisement shall appear at least twenty-five (25) days before the opening of bids. Any advertisement for any contract or purchase of materials or supplies shall be published two (2) times in a newspaper in the locality, the first advertisement appearing at least fifteen (15) days prior to the opening of bids.
In addition to newspaper advertisements, the School Board may shall also publish advertisements and accept bids by electronic media available to the general public in accordance with uniform standards promulgated by the state. In any advertisement, the first publication shall not occur on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
If the School Board issues or causes to be issued on a public work exceeding the contract limit set by state law, any addendum modifying plans and specifications within a period of seven (7) days prior to the advertised time for opening of bids, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and any other legal holidays, the School Board shall transmit a copy of the addendum to all prime bidders who have requested bid documents. The transmission shall be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of the issuance of the addendum, and may be delivered by either facsimile transmission (fax), e-mail, other electronic means, or by hand provided the prime bidder has supplied the fax number or e-mail address to the Board. In addition, a copy of the addendum shall be sent by regular mail. If the addendum cannot be transmitted by fax, e-mail, other electronic means, or hand delivered, the Board shall be required to postpone the bid opening by at least seven (7) days.
The School Board shall not issue or cause to be issued any addendum modifying plans and specifications within a period of seventy-two (72) hours prior to the advertised time for the opening of bids, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and any other legal holidays; however, if the necessity arises to issue an addendum modifying plans and specifications within the seventy-two hour period prior to the advertised time for the opening of bids, then the opening of bids shall be extended at least seven (7), but not more than twenty-one (21) working days, without the requirement of readvertising. The addendum shall state the revised time and date for the opening of bids.
OPENING OF BIDS
All bids shall be opened in public in the presence of one or more witnesses, at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and open to public inspection. However, the School Board shall not accept or take any bids including receiving any hand delivered bids, on days which are recognized as holidays by the United States Postal Service. The Superintendent and/or other appropriate administrators shall review, summarize and report bids to the Board with recommendations for final action.
If the School Board proposes to disqualify any bidder, the School Board shall:
(1) Give written notice of the proposed disqualification to such bidder, and include in the written notice all reasons for the proposed disqualification; and
(2) Give such bidder, who is proposed to be disqualified, the opportunity to be heard at an informal hearing, at which such bidder is afforded the opportunity to refute the reasons for the disqualification.
Revised: December, 1991 Revised: December, 2009
Revised: December, 1992
Revised: November, 1993
Revised: December, 1995
Revised: October, 1997
Revised: November, 1999
Revised: November, 2001
Revised: June, 2002
Revised: August, 2003
Revised: November, 2003
Revised: September, 2004
Revised: November, 2006
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''38:2211, 38:2212, 38:2212.1, 38:2214, 38:2218, 38:2251, 39:1551 et seq.; Board minutes, 12-4-03, 10-12-04, 2-1-07.
FIRE PREVENTION
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes the need for fire prevention/precaution in order to protect its employees, students, visitors, and property from the hazards of fire. Reducing and/or eliminating the fire hazards in and around the schools and other School Board property should be everyone’s responsibility.
As a prerequisite in its fire prevention strategies, the Board shall require inspections by qualified persons of all fire safety and prevention equipment, including but not limited to fire alarm and smoke detection devices at each school under the Board’s jurisdiction, as well as all other Board property, at least twice during each school year. All necessary service, repairs, and precautions shall be taken by appropriate persons in a timely manner to assure that all such equipment is in good working order and meets the needs for which it was intended. Employees of the Board may perform the required inspections called for in this policy provided they have received the appropriate training necessary to perform such inspections, and documentation of such training shall be included in the employee’s personnel file.
The supervision and implementation of the inspection requirements shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent and/or his/her designee. Reports on all inspections shall be maintained and submitted to the Superintendent and/or designee upon completion of the inspection.
New policy: December, 2009
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81; Life Safety Code, National Fire Prevention Association.
CURRICULUM
The Vernon Parish School Board has the responsibility to establish and maintain a quality program of instruction for the elementary and secondary schools of the school district.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for coordinating and maintaining the instructional program in accordance with the provisions of the state constitution, state statutes, rules and regulations of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the policies of the Board.
The organization and scheduling of subjects in the curriculum of the school district shall conform to the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education. The curriculum shall provide learning experiences and prospective achievement for each child according to their individual needs and offer pupils a basic body of understanding, attitudes, knowledge, and skills.
The curriculum design within the high schools shall consist of an academic major comprised of college preparatory courses and a career major comprised of challenging academic courses and modern vocational studies. Such a curriculum design shall allow each high school student to choose a career option at the high school level. By the end of the eighth grade each student, with the input of his/her family, shall develop a Five Year Educational Individual Graduation Plan. Such a plan shall include a sequence of courses which is consistent with the stated goals for one year after graduation, and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the student, parents and school supervisor, and revised as needed.
Every student who seeks to pursue a career major shall have the written permission of his/her parent or other legal guardian. Each student’s Individual Graduation Plan shall be signed by the student and the student’s parent or other legal guardian.
By July 1st of each year, the School Board shall submit to the Louisiana Department of Education a year-end evaluation of each career major program.
ELECTIVES
The School Board shall require a school choosing to add an elective course to its program of studies to apply to the School Board at least sixty (60) days prior to the anticipated date of implementation. The Board shall consider for approval the elective course using the state standards for elective approval set forth by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. All approved courses shall be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education at least thirty (30) days prior to implementation.
The application for an elective course shall be submitted by the principal and shall contain the following information:
! rationale for the course
! detailed outline of course content
! time requirements (minutes per day, days per year or semester)
! detailed course objectives and methods by which they shall be measured
! qualifications of the instructor
! date the course is to begin and end
! approximate number of students
! criteria for enrollment, and
! method for measuring effectiveness of course.
If the course is to be offered for the succeeding school year, an end-of-year evaluation shall be sent on provided forms for determining its continuation.
Revised: December, 1997
Revised: July, 1999
Revised: October, 2001
Revised: December, 2009
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:154, 17:181, 17:182, 17:183, 17:183.1, 17:183.2, 17:183.3, 7:183.5, 17:261, 17:262, 17:266, 17:267, 17:268; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.
STUDENT DRIVER TRAINING
The Vernon Parish School Board shall provide the facilities and the personnel necessary for a driver training program. The program shall consist of a course of not less than eight (8) hours of actual driving experience and thirty (30) hours of classroom instruction.
The program shall be designed to acquaint students to the safety precautions and hazards related to highway transportation. Children who are fifteen (15) years of age or older are eligible to participate in the driver education program. In addition, children who are in at least the ninth (9th) grade and are within ninety (90) days of their fifteenth (15th) birthday may participate in the classroom instruction component of the program.
The Driver Education Program shall have the following objectives:
1. To develop in each student the proper values and attitudes toward safe and responsible driving.
2. To develop in each student safe and efficient use of motor vehicle equipment and highways.
3. To develop in each student a strong sense of personal and social responsibility in the operation of motor vehicles.
COST
A fee for driver training may be assessed the student in an amount approved by the Board. Factors such as instructor salary and benefits, vehicle changes such as insurance, fuel, and lease payments shall be considered when determining adequate fees to charge.
New policy: December, 2009
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:270.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENT
ATTENDANCE ZONE REQUIREMENTS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall have authority and responsibility for the assignment, placement, transfer, and continued education of all students attending schools within its jurisdiction. The School Board shall require a student to attend the appropriate school as determined by the residence (domicile) of the student or the parent, legal guardian, or provisional custodian or if he/she is eighteen years old or has been emancipated by a court order, by the student's own domicile. However, the Board reserves the authority and responsibility to assign and/or transfer a student to any of the public schools within its jurisdiction, if circumstances warrant. The parent or legal guardian of a pupil may file in writing to the Board an objection to the assignment of the pupil, in which case the Board shall review the assignment and investigate the circumstances in order to render a decision.
The School Board, by statute, shall be required to assign a student to attend any public school requested by a parent or other legally responsible person when the requested school has space available and is of suitable grade level, and the child resides not more than one (1) mile from such school. Such assignment shall be made if not specifically contrary to the provisions of law, rule, regulation, or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction. Assignment shall also be made without regard to parish boundaries.
Legal custody is defined as the legal status created by a court order which establishes in a custodian the right to have physical custody of the child or minor. Legal custody shall also include cases where provisional custody of a minor student has been granted to a person of legal age by the child's parents, or the natural tutor, in the event of separation or divorce. Provisional custody shall be verified by submitting a properly executed and notarized form attesting to the granting of provisional custody. The school principal or designee shall be responsible for monitoring the school enrollment list and shall immediately terminate and/or transfer an unauthorized student.
Any child temporarily residing within the district who has no permanent address, or who has been abandoned by his/her parent, or who is in foster care, shall be enrolled and allowed to attend school in the zone appropriate to the special circumstance of the child. Surrogate parents may be appointed when appropriate for special needs students.
VERIFICATION OF RESIDENCE
The School Board shall require verification of residence of those students whose residence is suspected to be outside the attendance zone of the school the student is attending. When investigating the residence of a student, the School Board shall attempt to verify the primary place of residence of the legal parent or legal or provisional guardian. Such verification of residence shall be based on such items as the following:
1. Voter registration card of parent or custodian, or
2. Property tax statement of parent or custodian showing homestead exemption, or
3. Certified copy of any judicially ordered tutorship, custody or guardianship of any minor child student not domiciled or in the custody of their natural and/or legal parents. Verification of the physical residency of the legal custodian, tutor/tutrix or nonparent shall also be required, or
4. Any other documentation as may be stipulated by the Board.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSIGNMENTS
Any student who enrolls in a Vernon Parish school having sufficient records (i.e., current IEP and/or evaluation), indicating prior Special Education placement, can be placed on an interim basis after review by Pupil Appraisal office. Interim placements can only be made by the pupil appraisal personnel assigned to the particular school where the student is attending.
Upon arrival of a new student presenting sufficient documentation (i.e., IEP and/or evaluation), the counselor will notify the school coordinator and schedule a conference with the parent(s), receiving teacher, Pupil Appraisal School Coordinator and counselor. This process must be completed before the child can be enrolled.
CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENT
Generally, student assignments in K through 8 will be made by the principal of the school. However, in some cases schools may be structured so that students in higher grades may select classes and courses of study. The placement of a student shall be based on grades, achievement test scores, and participation in special programs.
Selection of classes and courses of study in grades 9 through 12 shall be uniformly made by individual students. Assistance in planning course of study and selection of classes shall be provided by teachers, counselors, and administrators. Each student shall be furnished a schedule of classes offered and requirements for graduation. Some classes may have prerequisites for enrollment.
In grades kindergarten through second grade, the parent of twins, triplets, etc. (more than one child at a single birth event) may request that their children be placed initially in the same, or separate, classrooms, if the children are in the same grade at the same school. Such a request shall be presented to the Superintendent or his/her designee no later than fourteen (14) days either after the first day of the school year or after the first day of attendance if the child enrolls after the fourteenth day of the school year. Notwithstanding any law, rule, regulation, or School Board policy to the contrary, the request of the parent for initial placement shall be granted subject to further review.
As soon as possible after the end of the student’s first grading period, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall review the initial placement of the child. If the Superintendent or his/her designee, in consultation with the school principal, the child’s(ren’s) teacher(s), and the parent, determines that the initial placement of the children is disruptive to the school or is not in the best educational interests of the child(ren), the initial placement of the child shall be modified, and the child(ren) shall be placed in accordance with School Board policy otherwise applicable to the child(ren).
Revised: December, 1992
Revised: November, 1993
Revised: September, 2008
Revised: December, 2009
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''9:951, 9:952, 9:953, 9:954, 13:1569, 17:81, 17:101, 17:104, 17:104.1, 17:221.2, 17:221.4, 17:238; Board minutes, 8-6-85, 10-7-08.
SCHOOL WELLNESS
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes that schools should play a vital role in promoting student health, preventing childhood obesity, and combating problems associated with poor nutrition and physical inactivity. The School Board shall promote a healthy school environment by supporting and emphasizing student wellness, good nutrition, and regular physical activity and making these an integral part of the total learning environment.
Schools have a responsibility to help students learn, establish, and maintain patterns of nutrition and physical activity that facilitate a healthy environment. Well-planned and effectively implemented school nutrition and fitness programs serve to enhance a student’s overall health, as well as their behavior and academic achievement. The School Board shall require that all foods made available on school campuses should offer children nutritious choices, and physical activity should be incorporated into the school day as often as possible.
The Vernon Parish School Board shall develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive plan to encourage healthy eating and physical activity in all public schools of Vernon Parish. The plan shall make effective use of school and community resources and equitably serve the needs and interests of all schools and staff.
SPECIFIC WELLNESS GOALS
Nutrition Education
The school district will:
1. Promote and implement nutrition education that promotes lifelong healthful eating practices.
2. Use lessons that are age-appropriate, with behaviorally focused content that is developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant.
3. Use lessons that are sequential and are correlated with standards, benchmarks, and grade level expectations.
4. Provide hands-on activities that are fun.
5. Provide repeated opportunities for students to taste foods that are low in fat, sodium and added sugars and high in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
6. Focus on positive aspects of healthful eating behaviors.
7. Promote social learning techniques such as role modeling, providing incentives, developing social resistance skills, overcoming barriers to behavioral changes and goal setting.
Physical Activity
The school district will:
1. Promote and implement quality physical education programs that emphasize and promote participation in lifelong physical activities and reaching a health enhancing level of physical fitness among all students.
2. Provide students in grades K-8 with a minimum of 150 minutes per week of health and physical education.
3. Ensure that students in grades K-68 participate in planned, organized, moderate to vigorous physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes each school day.
4. Strive toward having qualified, certified physical education teachers guide physical activity instruction in all elementary grades as well as in middle and high school physical education classes.
5. Provide staff development on standards implementation for physical education instructors.
Other School-Based Activities
The school district will:
1. Offer classroom health education that complements physical education by reinforcing the knowledge and self-management skills needed to maintain a physically active lifestyle and to reduce time spent on sedentary activities;
2. Recognize that daily physical activity is essential to student welfare and academic performance.
3. Encourage physical activity during recess for elementary students, intramural programs, integration in the academic curriculum, and clubs, as well as in physical education programs.
4. Encourage parents and guardians to support students’ participation in physical activities, to be physically active role-models, and to include physical activities in family plans.
5. Provide parents a list of foods that meet the Board’s snack standards and ideas for health celebrations/parties, rewards and fundraising activities.
6. Encourage school staff to participate in physical activities to serve as role models.
7. Support community-based physical activity programs.
Nutrition Guidelines
Student’s lifelong eating habits are greatly influenced by the types of foods and beverages available in their daily environment. In addition to ensuring that reimbursable school meals meet all requirements of the Nutritional School Lunch Program outlined in federal and state regulations, the School Board shall develop and maintain specific nutritional guidelines to address all food and beverages sold or served to students, including those items made available to students outside of the school meal programs.
MONITORING AND POLICY REVIEW
Monitoring
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for assuring compliance with established district-wide nutrition and physical activity wellness policies. In each school, the principal or designee will ensure compliance with those policies in his/her school and will report on the school’s compliance to the Superintendent or his/her designee.
School food service staff, at the school or district level, shall assess compliance with nutrition policies within school food service areas and report on this matter to the Superintendent (or if done at the school level, to the school principal).
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop a summary report at least annually on compliance with the district’s established nutrition and physical activity wellness policies, based on input from schools within the district. The report will be provided to the School Board and also distributed to the schools, parent/teacher organizations, school principals, and school health services personnel throughout the parish.
Policy Review
To help with the initial development of the district’s wellness policies, each public school in Vernon Parish shall conduct a baseline assessment of the school’s existing nutrition and physical activity environments and policies. The results of these school-by-school assessments shall be compiled at the district level to identify and prioritize needs.
Assessments will be repeated every three (3) years to help review policy compliance, assess progress, and determine areas in need of improvement. As part of that review, the School Board and staff shall review all nutrition and physical activity policies; provision of an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity; and nutrition and physical education policies and program elements. The School Board and individual schools within the district will, as necessary, revise the wellness policies and develop work plans to facilitate their implementation.
New Policy: April, 2006
Revised: December, 2009
Ref: PL 108-265 (Section 204, Child Nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004); 42 USC 1751 et seq. (Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act); 42 USC 1771 et seq. (Child Nutrition Act of 1966); 7 CFR 210 (National School Lunch Program); 7 CFR 220 (School Breakfast Program); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:17.1; Board minutes, 6-1-06.
On motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to accept the low bid from Hixson AutoPlex for a delivery truck for central office.
Mr. Don Gallemore discussed the 2010-2011 E-Rate Application and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). On recommendation of Superintendent Self and on motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to acknowledge that the Vernon Parish School Board has been in compliance with CIPA since 2002. On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to allocate $113,000 to cover our share of the 2010-2011 E-Rate Application.
Beryl Ford reported that Headstart enrollment was currently 274. The Headstart Regional Office in Dallas will be at the Leesville Headstart Office on January 25th.
On motion of Ricky Reese, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Beryl Ford, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
In other business, Mr. Mark Smith requested that Superintendent Self extend an invitation to James Hill, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army-Louisiana, to tour the schools in Vernon Parish.
Superintendent Self stated that he received a letter from the Louisiana Department of Education regarding mid-year budget cuts. Adjustments total approximately $58,000 in funding for various programs.
On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Floy Underwood who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Underwood was the sister of deceased former Board member, C.A. Hughes, and the mother-in-law of Sandra Underwood, retired teacher; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Underwood was a longtime resident of Leesville before moving to Denton, Texas several years ago and she will be greatly missed by her friends and family; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their condolences to the family of Mary ”r;Mamie” Eddlemon who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Eddlemon was the mother of Marjorie Decker, former employee, and the great grandmother of Dana Donaldson, assistant principal, and Lacon Lambert, teacher at Pickering High School; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Eddlemon was a resident of Leesville and she will be greatly missed by her many friends and family; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to her family at this time of sadness
There being no further business, on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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MICHAEL PERKINS, BOARD PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT