DECEMBER 2, 2010
DRAFT
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT PERKINS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
MICHAEL PERKINS, PRESIDENT
VERNON TRAVIS, VICE-PRESIDENT
RANDI GLEASON
MEL HARRIS
ROBERT PYNES JR.
MARK SMITH
RICKY REESE
BERYL FORD
RANDY MARTIN
STEVE WOODS
GAYE MCKEE
KAY WILBANKS
COL. FRANCIS B. BURNS
ABSENT: NONE
There was also present Mr. Jackie D. Self, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Mark Smith.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mark Smith.
On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Kay Wilbanks, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the November 9, 2010 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
Karen Robinson, paraprofessional, at Pitkin High School was recognized as Employee of the Month. Ms. Robinson was presented a gift card and plaque from Ralph Kimball, Taylor and Sons Insurance Company, and was congratulated by the Board for her hard work and dedication.
John Norris, Norris Insurance Consultants, presented the Workman’s Compensation Update.
On recommendation of Superintendent Self, and on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by Gaye McKee, the Board voted to name Dwain Ducote as Assistant Principal at Pickering Elementary School.
On recommendation of Superintendent Self, and on motion of Kay Wilbanks, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to name Dee Ann Cain as Assistant Principal at Simpson High School.
On motion of Mark Smith, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to adopt the following resolution:
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF VERNON
On the 2nd day of December, 2010, at a meeting of the Vernon Parish School Board, held in the city of Leesville, Louisiana, a quorum of Board Members present, the following action was taken:
It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board of Vernon Parish does hereby authorize Mr. Tim Ward, Finance Director, to act on behalf of the Vernon Parish School Board, in all matters pertaining to the Renovations to South Polk Elementary School – FP&C Project No. 50-S58-10-01 including certifying requests for State disbursements.
The above resolution was passed by a majority of those present and voting in accordance with the by-laws and policies of said School Board.
Mike Perkins, President-Vernon Parish School Board
I certify that the above and foregoing constitutes a true and correct record of a resolution adopted by the Vernon Parish School Board, Leesville, Louisiana, at its regular meeting held on the 2nd day of December, 2010.
Jackie D. Self, Secretary-Vernon Parish School Board
Superintendent Self presented the following policy revisions/additions:
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT LEGAL STATUS
The Superintendent of the Vernon Parish School Board is a constitutional school officer as provided in the Constitution and laws of the State of Louisiana. As such, he/she has certain authorities and functions which are provided for by law.
The Superintendent shall be the chief executive officer and secretary and treasurer of the Vernon Parish School Board. He/she shall be responsible to the Board for the efficient administration of the school district according to the laws governing the school district and the policies which are adopted by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Vernon Parish School Board. His/her discharge of duties shall be of such a caliber as to assure that the quality of the school district's educational program is consonant with legislative intent, needs of students and employees and commensurate with changing needs of the local citizenry.
As secretary of the Board, he/she shall keep, or cause to be kept, an accurate copy of all minutes in an official minute book reflecting all business of the Board conducted at regular or special meetings. As secretary of the Board, the Superintendent shall see that copies of all minutes are provided to all Board members and that the official Board minutes are made available for public examination in accordance with state law.
As treasurer, the Superintendent shall have the authority to co-sign and execute any and all documents associated with all transactions duly approved by the Board. He/she shall also be designated as the official custodian of all funds to which the Board is entitled by law and shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding and accounting for all such funds.
Upon being found incompetent, inefficient, or unworthy, and after due notice of charges against him/her, and further, after taking steps in compliance with generally recognized "due process" procedures, the Superintendent shall be removed from office by a majority vote of the membership of the Board at any regular or special meeting. Upon being found incompetent, inefficient, or unworthy, or found to have failed to fulfill the terms and objectives of his/her contract or to comply with School Board policy, and after presentation of written charges against him/her, and a fair hearing before the Board, the Superintendent may be removed from office prior to the expiration of his/her contract by a two-thirds vote of the membership of the entire Board at any regular or special meeting after due notice.
The Superintendent shall sign each teacher’s contract issued.
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: Constitution of Louisiana, Art. VIII, Sec 9, La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:54, 17:81, 17:83, 17:91.
BOARD MEMBER CONTINUING EDUCATION
Each Vernon Parish School Board member shall be required to receive a minimum of four (4) six (6) hours of training and instruction annually. in Training and instruction shall address such topics as the school laws of this state, in the laws governing the powers, duties and responsibilities of school boards, the Open Meetings law, the Ethics laws, the Public Bid laws, and in educational trends, research, and policy. Training and instruction shall also include education policy issues, such as the minimum foundation program and formula, leadership development, dropout prevention, and school discipline. In a school district with a school(s) identified as academically unacceptable or in need of academic assistance, at least two (2) of the required hours shall focus on the improvement of schools identified as failing schools.
Such Training and instruction may be received from a post-secondary education institution in this state, from instruction sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education, or from an in-service training program conducted by a school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA), provided that the instruction and method for demonstrating attendance has been pre-approved by the LSBA, or training and instruction received at any conference presented by the National School Boards Association or by the Council of the Great City Schools, provided that verification of attendance by the School Board members at any such training is obtained. Each School Board’s member’s attendance shall be reported by the instructor to the LSBA.
The Superintendent shall be responsible for verifying that the instruction provided meets the requirements of state laws.
DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
A School Board member who has received a certificate of completion for a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of training and instruction during his/her first year of service on the Board and has also received an annual certificate of completion of the required training for the subsequent three (3) consecutive years shall receive the designation of Distinguished School Board Member.
VERIFICATION AND DISCLOSURE OF TRAINING
The Superintendent shall be responsible for verifying that any of the training or instruction received by the School Board member meets statutory requirements. The provider of any Board member training and instruction shall issue a certificate of completion annually to those members who complete the required instruction. A copy of the certificate shall be entered into the minutes of the School Board.
At least annually, the Superintendent shall transmit to the Board’s official journal a press release detailing the training and instruction received by each Board member, as well as information on each Board member who has been designated a Distinguished School Board Member.
Revised: December, 2008
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:53; Board minutes, 2-5-09.
SCHOOL BOARD ETHICS
Recognizing that as a member of a public school board and that each Vernon Parish School Board member is filling a position of public trust, responsibility, and authority endowed by the State of Louisiana, the Vernon Parish School Board, individually and collectively, shall subscribe to the principles of the Louisiana School Boards Association, by which a school board member should be guided.
In addition, certain actions of elected officials may be considered improper, and in some circumstances, illegal. Actions which may present a conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, or solicitations, or gratuities, abuse of authority of office or position, and decisions regarding the employment of a family member of an official are all subject to statutory restrictions. The ethical conduct of Board members, as well as other designated officials, shall be in accordance with state law.
GIFTS
Acceptance of personal gifts by any Board member or employee of the Vernon Parish School Board from persons or firms doing business with the School Board, or any department or school thereof, is prohibited. Reduced cost and/or free travel expenses are also defined as gifts with regard to this policy provision. This policy provision does not preclude acceptance of food, drinks, or refreshment of a social nature or participation in a social event, provided the value of the food, drink, or refreshment does not exceed that amount permitted under state law. It also shall not preclude the acceptance of campaign contributions for use in meeting campaign expenses by any employee or Board member who is or becomes a candidate for election to any public office.
NEPOTISM
No member of the immediate family of an agency head shall be employed in his/her agency. No member of the immediate family of a member of a governing authority or the chief executive of a governmental entity shall be employed by the governmental entity, with limited exception as outlined below.
The provisions above shall not prohibit the continued employment of any public employee nor shall it be construed to hinder, alter, or in any way affect normal promotional advancements for such public employee where a member of a public employee's immediate family becomes the agency head of such public employee's agency, provided that such public employee has been employed in the agency for a period of at least one year prior to the member of the public employee's immediate family becoming the agency head.
Exceptions
The School Board may employ any member of the immediate family of any Board member or the Superintendent as a classroom teacher provided that such family member is certified to teach. Any School Board member or Superintendent whose immediate family member is employed by the School Board shall recuse himself/herself from any decision involving the promotion or assignment of teaching location of the employee.
The School Board may employ an immediate family member of an athletic director of a school as a coach at such school.
PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS
Any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, with limited exception as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '42:1120, from participating in a transaction in which he/she has a personal substantial economic interest of which he/she may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity. Also, any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, except as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '42:1120, from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his/her actual knowledge, any of the following persons has a substantial economic interest:
Any member of his/her immediate family.
Any person in which he/she has a substantial economic interest of which he/she may reasonably be expected to know.
Any person of which he/she is an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee.
Any person with whom he/she is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment.
Any person who is a party to an existing contract with such public servant, or with any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, or who owes any thing of economic value to such public servant, or to any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, and who by reason thereof is in a position to affect directly the economic interests of such public servant.
Every public employee shall disqualify himself/herself from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity when a violation of state law would result.
ABUSE OF OFFICE
No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to provide himself/herself, any other public servant, or other person with any thing of economic value.
No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to engage in political activity.
No School Board member shall act in an individual capacity without the authorization of the School Board to use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to interfere with, compel or coerce any personnel decision, including the hiring, promotion, discipline, demotion, transfer, discharge, or assignment of work to any school employee.
No School Board member shall use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to interfere with, compel, or coerce any school employee to make any decision concerning benefits, work assignment, or membership in any organization.
TRANSACTIONS AFTER TERMINATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE
No former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for the Board.
No former member of the School Board shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service on such Board, contract with, be employed in any capacity by, or be appointed to any position by the Board, except that the School Board may employ a former member for any classroom teaching position which requires a valid Louisiana teaching certificate or a school psychologist with a valid certificate in school psychology, provided the former School Board member holds such a certificate.
No former School Board employee shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her employment, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction in which such former public employee participated at any time during his/her public employment and involving the School Board by which he/she was formerly employed, or for a period of two (2) such years following termination of his/her employment, render any service which such former public employee has rendered to the School Board during the term of his/her public employment on a contractual basis, regardless of the parties to the contract, to, for, or on behalf of the School Board with which he/she was formerly employed.
DEFINITIONS
Agency means a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity. For public servants of political subdivisions, it shall mean the agency in which the public servant serves, except that for members of any governing authority and for the elected or appointed chief executive of a governmental entity, it shall mean the governmental entity.
Agency head means the chief executive or administrative officer of an agency or any member of a board or commission who exercises supervision over the agency.
Immediate family as the term relates to a public servant means his/her children, the spouses of his/her children, his/her brothers and their spouses, his/her sisters and their spouses, his/her parents, his/her spouse, and the parents of his/her spouse.
Public servant means a public employee or an elected official.
Political activity means an effort to support or oppose the election of a candidate for political office in an election.
Substantial economic interest means an economic interest which is of greater benefit to the public servant or other person than to a general class or group of persons, except:
The interest that the public servant has in his/her position, office, rank, salary, per diem, or other matter arising solely from his/her public employment or office.
The interest that an elected official who is elected to a house, body, or authority has in a position or office of such house, body, or authority which is required to be filled by a member of such house, body, or authority by law, legislative rule, or home rule charter.
The interest that a person has as a member of the general public.
Transaction involving the governmental entity means any proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, case, or other such particular matter which the public servant or former public servant of the governmental entity in question knows or should know:
Is, or will be, the subject of action by the governmental entity.
Is one to which the governmental entity is or will be a party.
Is one in which the governmental entity has a direct interest. A transaction involving the agency of a governmental entity shall have the same meaning with respect to the agency.
Revised: October, 1997 Revised: September, 2006
Revised: November, 1999 Revised: December, 2008
Revised: August, 2003 Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:428, 42:1101, 42:1102, 42:1112, 42:1115, 42:1115.1, 42:1116, 42:1119, 42:1121, 42:1123; Board minutes, 9-4-03, 10-10-06, 2-5-09.
SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT
The Vernon Parish School Board shall delegate to the Superintendent the authority and responsibility for the efficient administration of the school system. The Superintendent shall perform his/her administrative functions in accord with the policies adopted by the School Board. The execution of all decisions made by the Board concerning the internal operation of the school system shall be delegated to the Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall be the chief executive officer and educational advisor of the School Board and shall discharge his/her duties as prescribed by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Louisiana, as well as Board policies. As the instructional leader of the school district and its chief executive officer, the Superintendent shall have primary responsibility for personnel actions in the district. The Superintendent shall also be the secretary and treasurer of the School Board.
While retaining ultimate responsibility, the Superintendent shall be authorized to delegate certain duties to other members of his/her administrative staff. This shall include, as appropriate, any administrative or supervisory employee.
The School Board shall appoint the Superintendent for a period not to exceed four (4) years, which period, however, may extend no longer than two years after the expiration of the term of office of the membership of the Board electing the Superintendent. The salary, vacation, and other benefits of the Superintendent shall be determined by the Board upon his/her appointment. The Superintendent need not reside in the Vernon Parish School District.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT
The Superintendent shall maintain his/her office in the School Board office during regular office hours Monday through Friday, except on designated holidays, to receive the reports of teachers and others and to transact the business required of him/her, except during the time he/she is visiting schools or attending to his/her duties elsewhere.
Revised: June, 1998
Revised: August, 2005
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:54, 17:81, 17:90; Board minutes, 9-6-05.
EMPLOYMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT
The Vernon Parish School Board shall employ the Superintendent pursuant to a written contract for a period not to exceed four (4) years, which period, however, may extend no longer than two (2) years after the expiration of the term of office of the members of the Board electing the Superintendent. The election of the Superintendent shall require a favorable vote of a majority of the entire membership of the School Board.
Such contract shall contain but need not be limited to specific performance objectives.
In case of a discrepancy between the contract and any policy, the contract provisions shall prevail. Not less than ninety (90) days prior to the termination of such a contract, the School Board shall notify the Superintendent of termination of employment under such contract, or in lieu thereof the Board and the Superintendent may negotiate and enter into a contract for subsequent employment.
The Superintendent may choose not to enter into a subsequent contract and may either terminate his/her employment or, if he/she has acquired permanent status as a teacher, resume employment as a teacher.
The School Board may choose not to offer a subsequent contract to the Superintendent.
The Superintendent shall be retained during the term of a contract unless the Superintendent is found incompetent, unworthy, or inefficient or is found to have failed to fulfill the terms and performance objectives of his/her contract or to comply with School Board policy. However, before the Superintendent can be removed during the contract period, he/she shall have the right to written charges and a fair hearing before the Board after reasonable written notice.
The Board shall negotiate and offer the Superintendent a new contract at the expiration of each existing contract unless a majority of the Board membership votes at least ninety (90) days prior to the termination of the existing contract against offering a new contract.
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:54; Board minutes, 9-6-05.
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:
Direct U.S. Treasury obligations, the principal and interest of which are fully guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
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.
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.
Bonds, debentures, notes or other evidence of indebtedness issued by the state of Louisiana or any other state of the United States, or any of it’s the political subdivisions of any state, with limited exceptions noted in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §33:2955.
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).
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.
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
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).
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 Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:99, 33:2955, 39:1221; Board minutes, 6-4-96, 1-12-10.
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 $150,000 or 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 $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 $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 shall also publish advertisements and accept bids by electronic media 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 (72) 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
Al 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:
Give written notice of the proposed disqualification to such bidder, and include in the written notice all reasons for the proposed disqualification; and
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.
EXCLUSION/REJECTION OF BIDS
The School Board, after the opening of bids, shall require each bidder or bidding entity to attest or submit an attestation that the sole proprietor, partner, incorporator, director, manager, officer, or other like individual who owns at least ten percent (10%) of the bidding entity, has not been convicted of, or has not entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest) to any of the crimes or equivalent federal crimes listed in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §38:2227.
In awarding bids or contracts, the School Board shall be authorized to reject the lowest bid from a business in which any individual with ownership interest of five percent (5%) or more has been convicted of, pled guilty or nolo contendere to any a state felony crime or equivalent federal crime committed in the solicitation or execution of a contract or bid under the state laws governing public contracts; professional, personal, consulting, and social services procurement; or the Louisiana Procurement Code.
Any contract between the School Board and a person or entity entered into as a result of fraud, bribery, corruption, or other criminal acts, for which a final conviction has been obtained, shall be null and void.
Any person whose conviction causes the nullity of a contract shall be responsible for payment of all costs, attorney fees, and damages incurred in the rebidding of the contract.
Revised: December, 1991 Revised: November, 2003
Revised: December, 1992 Revised: September, 2004
Revised: November, 1993 Revised: November, 2006
Revised: December, 1995 Revised: October, 2009
Revised: October, 1997 Revised: November, 2010
Revised: November, 1999
Revised: November, 2001
Revised: June, 2002
Revised: August, 2003
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§9:2716, 38:2181, 38:2182, 38:2211, 38:2212, 38:2212.1, 38:2212.9, 38:2214, 38:2218, 38:2227, 38:2251, 39:1551, 39:1552, 39:1553, 39:1554, 39:1554.1, 39:1556, 39:1557, 39:1558, 39:1597, 39:1710; Board minutes, 12-4-03, 10-12-04, 2-1-07, 1-12-10.
SCHOOL PROPERTIES DISPOSAL
The Vernon Parish School Board may sell, or otherwise dispose of, at public or private sale, for cash or on terms of credit, any school site, building, facility, or other property which is not used and, in the judgment of the School Board, is not needed in the operation of any school or schools within the district. Any such sale, lease, or disposal of such school property shall be on such terms and conditions and for such consideration as the School Board shall prescribe.
In the event that any Vernon Parish School Board property is considered to have no further use for school system purposes, the Superintendent is authorized to make a recommendation to the Board for disposition. The recommendation may include the rationale for the disposal and an estimate of the market value of the property. The Board may at such time declare that said property is surplus and no longer needed for public school purposes.
Once school property, real or personal, is declared no longer needed for public school purposes, the Board shall take appropriate action to dispose of such property as permitted by statutory provisions.
SALE OF BUILDINGS AND LAND
Real estate that has been declared as no longer needed for public school purposes shall be disposed of as outlined below:
At least one (1) real estate appraisal shall be obtained reflecting the fair market value.
Local governmental authorities shall be notified that such property is no longer needed for school purposes and invited to submit a proposal if there is a need for such property.
Advertisement for sealed bids shall be published in the Board’s official journal on at least three (3) separate days for at least thirty (30) days prior to the date the land is to be offered for sale, or as otherwise provided for in state law.
Upon receipt and opening of bids at the time designated, all bids shall be considered by the Board and the property sold to the highest bidder in accordance with such terms and conditions as the School Board shall determine. The Board shall reserve the right to reject any and all bids.
The first time the School Board offers a particular property for sale, the minimum bid shall be eighty-five (85%) percent of the appraised value of the property.
If the School Board fails to sell the property because the maximum bid received was not equal to or greater than the minimum bid in item A. above, the School Board may make a second effort to sell the property. The minimum bid for a second effort to sell the same property shall be eight (80%) of the appraised value.
If the School Board has twice failed to sell property because the maximum bid received was not equal to or greater than the minimum bid provided above, there shall be no minimum bid at the third effort to sell the property, and the School Board may sell the property to the highest bidder.
SIXTEENTH SECTION LANDS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall conduct all elections to authorize the sale of sixteenth section land and the funds realized from the sale of such land, after deduction for necessary expenses connected with such elections, shall be promptly forwarded to the state auditor. These funds shall be credited to the general school funds of the Board.
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §'17:87, 17:87.6, 41:891, 41:892.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS SECURITY
It is the policy of the Vernon Parish School Board that a concerted effort be made at all times by the Board and all personnel to provide for the security and protection of its students, employees, visitors, facilities, and equipment.
Security not only encompasses maintenance of secure (locked) buildings but other strategies to make the school environment safe, such as protection from fire hazards and faulty equipment and safe practices in the use of electrical, plumbing, and heating equipment, and the protection of students, staff, and visitors at school functions, whether on or off campus.
Access to school buildings and grounds outside of regular school hours shall be limited to personnel whose work requires it. An adequate key control system shall be established which will limit access to buildings to authorized personnel only and will safeguard against the potential of entrance to buildings by unauthorized persons with keys.
Records and funds shall be kept in a safe place and under lock and key when required.
Protective devices designed to be used as safeguards against illegal entry and vandalism shall be installed when appropriate to the individual situation. Employment of security personnel may be approved in situations where special risks are involved.
It will be the duty of the school principal or building administrator to develop a plan of action that includes the following:
Care shall be taken to see that all windows and doors are properly secured before leaving the school or central office buildings at the close of the day.
Care shall be taken to ensure that all burglar alarm systems, where installed, are activated at the end of the day and deactivated at the beginning of a work day.
All gates controlling access to facilities and parking areas shall be secured when school plant or facility is not in use.
FIREARM FREE ZONES
The areas surrounding the school campus or within 1,000 feet of any such school campus, or within a school bus, shall be designated Firearm Free Zones. It is unlawful for a student or non-student to intentionally possess a firearm on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property or while on a school bus. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Firearm Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
BODY ARMOR
It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm free zone, with limited exception as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9. School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities.
Body armor shall mean bullet-resistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury.
The School Board shall post permanent notices of such prohibition at each major point of entry to the school.
DRUG FREE ZONES
The area within 1,000 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus, shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute in a Drug Free Zone. The Vernon Parish School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES (Information in green italics moved from below)
Except as may be allowed by School Board policy, no person, unless authorized by the school principal or designee, shall use, possess, or operate any electronic telecommunication device including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electromechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof while school is in session or in any school bus. Appropriate law enforcement agencies shall be notified of any person, other than a pupil or school employee, who violates this policy while on school property without authority.
SEARCH OF PERSONS OTHER THAN STUDENTS
Any school principal, administrator, teacher, or school security guards may search the person, book bag, briefcase, purse or other object in the possession of any person who is not a student enrolled in the school, or any school employee, while in or on school grounds. This search may be done randomly with a metal detector, or physically when there is reasonable suspicion that such person has any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, stolen goods, or objects in violation of School Board policy.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
The School Board shall authorize the use of video cameras on district property to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors to district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment. Video cameras may be used in locations as deemed appropriate by the Superintendent.
The district shall notify staff and students through student/ parent and staff handbooks that video surveillance may occur on district property.
Students or staff in violation of Board policy, administrative regulations, building rules, or law shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Others may be referred to law enforcement agencies.
Video recordings may become a part of a student's educational record or a staff member's personnel record. The district shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws related to record maintenance and retention.
Revised: September, 2001
Revised: December, 2008
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:95.6, 14:95.9,17:81, 17:239, 17:240, 17:405, 17:416.6; Board minutes, 6-7-01, 2-5-09.
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 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):
All actual cases of sexual misconduct with a minor or student by the applicant.
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:
any conduct that would amount to sexual harassment under Title IX of the (U.S.) Education Amendments of 1972, as amended;
any conduct that would amount to a sexual offense affecting a minor under state criminal codes;
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;
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.
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.
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:
Abuse means any one of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health and safety of the child:
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.
The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.
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.
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, or other dispositions, including dismissal of convictions, to of any criminal offense, in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A person who has submitted his/her fingerprints may be temporarily hired pending the results of the inquiry.
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.
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.
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.
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 Revised: November, 2010
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, 10-6-09.
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:95.6, 14:95.9,17:81, 17:239, 17:240, 17:405, 17:416.6; Board minutes, 6-7-01, 2-5-09.
PERSONNEL TRANSFER
The Vernon Parish School Board may transfer any teacher or other employee, including personnel employed as principals and supervisors, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, for any succeeding scholastic year, from one position, school or grade to another by giving written notice to the teacher or employee of such intention to transfer. Such transfer shall be without loss of status or violation of contract and shall not be for political or personal reasons. The Board may transfer any teacher only in accordance with applicable state law.
VOLUNTARY TRANSFER
Persons employed by the Board who voluntarily request such a transfer to another location or position shall submit such request to the Superintendent in writing. Careful consideration shall be given all such requests for transfer. Any decisions concerning transfer shall be based on the needs of the school district first and the needs of the employee second. Should a person request reassignment to a lesser position, such personnel, upon reassignment, shall be placed in the salary schedule on the same step as previously assigned.
No teacher transfer for the next school year will be denied if the transfer is approved by both the receiving principal and the personnel office prior to June 15. After June 15, no teacher transfer shall be granted unless the request to transfer involves extenuating circumstances as approved by the personnel office.
In addition, a teacher or other school employee who has been a victim of physical abuse by any student(s) shall be given the opportunity to transfer to another position for which he/she is certified or otherwise qualified and in which he/she shall not have contact with the student(s), provided there is a position available.
Revised: April, 2001
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:7, 17:81, 17:443; Board minutes, 1-9-01.
ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, DRUG,
AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require a comprehensive alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse prevention education program be incorporated into every school of the parish that shall include grade appropriate programs on the education, prevention, and counseling of alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse. Such programs shall be included in the school program so that every student in grades kindergarten through nine is involved for a minimum of sixteen (16) contact hours every school year, and every student in grades ten through twelve is involved for a minimum of eight (8) contact hours every school year. The required minimum contact hours shall be incorporated into a comprehensive school health program.
As part of the alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse program, substance abuse counselors shall be appointed who shall visit every school regularly for the purpose of counseling students who have been identified as having an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem.
Any student enrolled in school who is identified as having a substance abuse problem, including manufacture or distribution, shall be required to participate in the school drug counseling program, or an equivalent approved by the Board.
Each school shall have a substance abuse prevention team, whose membership shall be in accordance with statutory provisions that shall investigate, research, and report on all instances or reports of possession of controlled dangerous substances or alcoholic beverages. The team shall adequately report its findings in writing and make appropriate recommendations for treatment, counseling, or other appropriate action to the principal of the school.
DRUG FREE ZONES
It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1,000 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
Revised: October, 1994 Revised: November, 2010
Revised: November, 1999
Revised: March
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403.1, 17:154, 17:402, 17:403, 17:404, 17:405, 17:416.
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, or grandparents awarded custody, 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:
Voter registration card of parent or custodian, or
Property tax statement of parent or custodian showing homestead exemption, or
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
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
Revised: November, 2010
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, 1-12-10.
STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
The Vernon Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing on, consuming, or having in his/her possession on a school bus, on school premises, or at a school function away from the school, any alcoholic beverages, intoxicating liquors, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law. The Superintendent shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate procedures for the detection of alcohol, drugs, or any imitation or other controlled substances. Any student found in violation of the above shall be suspended and recommended for expulsion by the principal.
Any violations of criminal laws, state or federal, committed on school property shall be prosecuted as provided by law. School officials, teachers and/or Board employees shall report all violators to the principal, who in turn, shall notify the proper law enforcement agency and shall cooperate with the prosecuting attorney's office in the prosecution of charges. Any student who distributes, sells or dispenses in any manner or form whatsoever a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on the school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law.
The principal shall immediately notify the parents or guardian, by telephone, of any student found in violation of this policy. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter within twenty-four (24) hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students.
REPORTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
State law mandates that teachers and other school employees report suspected substance abuse in school. These cases shall be reported to the principal and the Student Assistance Team coordinator in the school. The principal must report each case of possession, distributing, sales or manufacturing to the proper law enforcement authority. Reports shall also be made to the Student Assistance Team at each school, who shall investigate, research, and report on instances or reports of possession of prohibited substances or beverages. Designated personnel shall report its findings along with the recommendation for treatment, counseling or other appropriate action to the principal.
DRUG FREE ZONES
It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 1,000 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. The Vernon Parish School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and school property.
Revised: November, 1999
Revised: November, 2010
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403.1, 17:405, 17:416, 40:617.1, 40:961, 40:962, 40:963, 40:964, 40:967, 40:968, 40:969, 40:970, 40:971, 40:971.1.
STUDENT BIOMETRIC INFORMATION
The Vernon Parish School Board shall authorize the utilization of biometric information in the identification of students, as well as to enhance student safety and security and protect against instances of fraud throughout the school district. Biometric information shall mean the noninvasive electronic measurement of any physical characteristics that are attributable to a single person, including fingerprint characteristics, eye characteristics, hand characteristics, vocal characteristics, facial characteristics, and any other physical characteristics used for the purpose of electronically identifying that person with a high degree of certainty.
Prior to the collection of any student biometric information, expressed written permission from the student’s parent or legal guardian, or the student if eighteen (18) or older, shall be obtained and kept on file in the principal’s office at the school the student attends.
A student’s biometric information shall be treated as any other student record in terms of access and confidentiality, and shall not be disclosed to a third party without the written consent of the student’s parent or legal guardian, or the student if eighteen (18) or older, unless the disclosure is required by court order.
In addition, the School Board shall delegate to the Superintendent the development, implementation, and maintenance of adequate regulations and procedural standards to protect student biometric information held and/or used in accordance with the policy. Such regulations and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
The secure storage, transmission, and protection of all biometric information from unauthorized alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Restriction of access to student biometric information and processing to appropriate and authorized personnel.
Proper encryption of student biometric information.
Compliance of any collection of student biometric information with all applicable state and federal law and requirements, including the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
The use of student biometric information shall be discontinued after (1) the student graduates or withdraws from school, or (2) the School Board receives a written request to discontinue the use of biometric information from the from the student’s parents or legal guardian or the student if eighteen (18) or older. All biometric information collected from a student shall be destroyed within thirty (30) days after use of such information is discontinued.
The failure to provide written consent for the collection of biometric information of students shall not be the basis for refusal or denial of any services otherwise available to the student.
New policy: November, 2010
Ref: 20 USC 1232(g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act); 42 USC 1301 et seq. (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996); 42 USC 12101 et seq. (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:100.8.
Mark Smith reported that the Salary/Personnel Committee had met and reviewed the personnel changes for December and would make its recommendation to the full Board on Tuesday, December 7, 2010. On recommendation of Superintendent Self, the Committee approved the request to hire an additional counselor for Pickering Elementary and Rosepine Elementary due to an increase in enrollment. After discussion of Leave Without Pay, a sub-committee was appointed to discuss Leave Without Pay procedures.
In other business, Superintendent Self stated that Mr. Glen Koepp and/or Mr. Bill Blair will be at the January 6, 2011 Board meeting to discuss Redistricting. Superintendent Self also reminded the Board of the Headstart Training Session on Tuesday, December 7th at 2:00PM. Superintendent Self informed the Board that Board Officers would be elected on January 6, 2011. Colonel Burns reported on deployments and stated there were already three casualties and asked that we keep the families in our prayers. Colonel Burns reported the Change Of Command for BG Yarbrough will be January 7, 2011.
On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their sympathy to the family of Lucy Gutman who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Gutman was a retired social worker for the Vernon Parish School System with twenty three years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Gutman was a longtime resident of Leesville and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends; 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 Mike Perkins, 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 Virginia McInnis who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McInnis was a retired elementary teacher from Pitkin and was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McInnis was a resident of Boyce and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends; 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 Vernon Travis, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board take this means to express their sympathy to the family of Tim Sneler who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sneler was the brother of Denise White, Assistant Office Manager at the Sales Tax Office; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Sneler was a former resident of Leesville, a graduate of Leesville High School and he will be sadly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
On motion of Robert Pynes, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Willie Parker who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parker was the father of Elizabeth Creasey, teacher at East Leesville Elementary School; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parker was a lifelong resident of Leesville and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
There being no further business, and on motion of Gaye McKee, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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MICHAEL PERKINS, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT