2013-06-11

JUNE 11, 2013

DRAFT

THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF VERNON PARISH LOUISIANA CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION ON JUNE 11, 2013 AT 10:00AM, 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT GLEASON CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:

RANDI GLEASON, PRESIDENT

JOHN BLANKENBAKER, VICE PRESIDENT

VERNON L. TRAVIS JR.

MEL HARRIS

ROBERT PYNES, JR.

DOUG BRANDON

RANDY MARTIN

STEVE WOODS

MICHAEL PERKINS

GERALD COOLEY

COL. ROGER SHUCK

ABSENT: RICHARD SCHWARTZ

JERRY L. JEANE

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

The meeting was opened in prayer by Doug Brandon.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Doug Brandon.

President Randi Gleason stated that an Agenda Item needed to be added to the Agenda to issue a loan for $10,000 to Simpson High School for replacement of the intercom system and on motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Michael Perkins, the Board voted to add this to the Agenda as Item #12.

On motion of Mel Harris, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2013 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.

Superintendent Self and Assistant Superintendent Jimmy Funderburk recognized retirees for this school year. Superintendent Self on behalf of the Board Members presented certificates and thanked the retirees for their dedication and service.

Tom Neubert recognized Support Personnel of the Year as follows:

Elementary: Vanessa Joiner – East Leesville Elementary-CafeteriaManager

Middle School: Kelly Rogers – Leesville Jr. High - Paraprofessional

High School: Martha McDaniel – Pitkin High - Bookkeeper

These employees were congratulated by the Board and presented plaques and a monetary gift in appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to accept the following retirements:

Maricle, Janell, teacher/AES

Martin, Lannis, sped aide/LJHS

Carnahan, Margie, teacher/NPE

Adams, Jimmie, teacher/LHS

Tim Ward discussed the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for the Vernon Parish School Board and the Vernon Parish Tax Agency and noted that this approval was part of the annual audit. On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to approve the LA Compliance Questionnaire for the Vernon Parish School Board and the Vernon Parish Sales Tax Agency.

LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Chief Executive Officer:

Attached is the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire that is to be completed by you or your staff. This questionnaire is a required part of a financial audit of Louisiana governmental units and quasi-public entities. The legal matters contained in the questionnaire parallel those matters contained in the Laws Affecting Louisiana Government, published by the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. Upon completion, the questionnaire must be presented to and adopted by the governing body, if any, of your organization by means of a formal resolution in an open meeting. Independently elected officials should sign the document, in lieu of such a resolution.

Please mail the completed questionnaire to P. O. Box 6075, Monroe, LA 71211-6075 or send via e-mail to jeanne@allengreencpa.com.

Certain portions of the questionnaire may not be applicable to your organization. In such cases, it is appropriate to mark the representation "not applicable." However, you must respond to each applicable representation. A 'yes' answer indicates that you have complied with the applicable law or regulation. A 'no' answer to any representation indicates a possible violation of law or regulation and, as such, should be fully explained. These matters will be reviewed by the auditor during the course of the audit. Please feel free to attach a further explanation of any representation.

Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Margie Williamson, CPA

Partner

MW:jmb

LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

____June 11, 2013______

Allen Green & Williamson, LLP

P. O. Box 6075

Monroe, LA 71211

In connection with your audit of our financial statements as of June 30, 2012, for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to the fair presentation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to assess our system of internal control as a part of your audit, and to review our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following representations. These representations are based on the information available to us as of __June 11, 2013_____(date completed/date of the representations).

PART I. AGENCY PROFILE

1. Name and address of the organization. VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

201 BELVIEW ROAD

LEESVILLE, LA 71446

2. List the population of the municipality or parish based upon the last official United States Census or most recent official census (municipalities and police juries only). Include the source of the information.

N/A

3. List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of entity officials. [Include elected/appointed members of the governing board, chief executive and fiscal officer, and legal counsel]

ATTACHED

4. Period of time covered by this questionnaire:

July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013

5. The entity has been organized under the following provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statute (s) (LSA-RS) and, if applicable, local resolutions/ordinances.

(LSA-RS) 17:81

6. Briefly describe the public services provided:

The School Board provides elementary and secondary education for all children attending public schools in the Parish.

7. Expiration date of current elected/appointed officials' terms.

December 31, 2014

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

PART II. PUBLIC BID LAW

8. The provisions of the public bid law, RS Title 38:2212-2296, and, where applicable, the regulations of the Division of Administration, State Purchasing Office have been complied with.

A) All public works purchases exceeding $150,000 have been publicly bid.

B.) All material and supply purchases exceeding $30,000 have been publicly bid.

C.) If applicable, a system has been established to accept bids by electronic means.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART III. CODE OF ETHICS LAW FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

9. It is true that no employees or officials have accepted anything of value, whether in the form of a service, loan, or promise, from anyone that would constitute a violation of RS 42:1101-1124.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

10. It is true that no member of the immediate family of any member of the governing authority, or the chief executive of the governmental entity, has been employed by the governmental entity after April 1, 1980, under circumstances that would constitute a violation of RS 42:1119.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART IV. LAWS AFFECTING BUDGETING

11. We have complied with the budgeting requirements of the Local Government Budget Act (RS 39:1301-16), RS 39:33, or RS 39:1331-1342, applicable.

A. Local Budget Act

1. We have adopted a budget for the General Fund and all special revenue funds (RS 39:1305).

2. The chief executive officer, or equivalent, has prepared a proposed budget that included a budget message, a proposed budget for the General Fund and each special revenue fund, and a budget adoption instrument that specified the chief executive's authority to make budgetary amendments without approval of the governing authority. Furthermore, the proposed expenditures did not exceed estimated funds to be available during the period (RS 39:1305).

3. The proposed budget was submitted to the governing authority and made available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the beginning of the budget year (RS 39:1306).

4. To the extent that proposed expenditures were greater than $500,000, we have made the budget available for public inspection and have advertised its availability in our official journal. The advertisement included the date, time, and place of the public hearing on the budget. Notice has also been published certifying that all actions required by the Local Government Budget Act have been completed (RS 39:1307).

5. The proposed budget was made available for public inspection at the location required by RS 39:1308.

6. All action necessary to adopt and finalize the budget was completed prior to the date required by state law. The adopted budget contained the same information as that required for the proposed budget [RS 39:1306.]

7. After adoption, a certified copy of the budget has been retained by the chief executive officer or equivalent officer (RS 39:1309).

8. To the extent that proposed expenditures were greater than $500,000, the chief executive officer or equivalent notified in writing the governing authority during the year when actual receipts plus projected revenue collections for the year failed to meet budgeted revenues by five percent or more, or when actual expenditures plus projected expenditures to year end exceeded budgeted expenditures by five percent or more (RS 39:1311).

9. The governing authority has amended its budget when notified, as provided by RS 39:1311. (Note, general and special revenue fund budgets should be amended, regardless of the amount of expenditures in the fund, when actual receipts plus projected revenue collections for the year fail to meet budgeted revenues by five percent or more; or when actual expenditures plus projected expenditures to year end exceed budgeted expenditures by five percent of more. State law exempts from amendment requirements special revenue funds with anticipated expenditures of $500,000 or less, and exempts special revenue funds whose revenues are expenditure-driven - primarily federal funds - from requirement to amend revenues.)

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART V. ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, AND FINANCIAL REPORTING LAWS

10. We have maintained our accounting records in such a manner as to provide evidence of legal compliance and the preparation of annual financial statements to comply with RS 24:513, 24:515, and/or 33:463.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

11. All non-exempt governmental records are available as a public record and have been retained for at least three years, as required by RS 44:1, 44:7, 44:31, and 44:36.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

12. We have filed our annual financial statements in accordance with RS 24:514, and 33:463 where applicable.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

13. We have had our financial statements audited in a timely manner in accordance with RS 24:513.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART VI MEETINGS

14. We have complied with the provisions of the Open Meetings Law, provided in RS 42:1 through 42:13.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART VII. ASSET MANAGEMENT LAWS

15. We have maintained records of our fixed assets and movable property records, as required by RS 24:515 and/or 39:321-332, as applicable.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART VIII. FISCAL AGENCY AND CASH MANAGEMENT LAWS

16. We have complied with the fiscal agency and cash management requirements of RS 39:1211-45 and 49:301-327, as applicable.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART IX. DEBT RESTRICTION LAWS

17. It is true we have not incurred any long-term indebtedness without the approval of the State Bond Commission, as provided by Article VII, Section 8 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, Article VI, Section 33 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, and RS 39:1410.60-1410.65.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

18. We have complied with the debt limitation requirements of state law (RS 39:562).

Yes [X ] No [ ]

19. We have complied with the reporting requirements relating to the Fiscal Review Committee of the State Bond Commission (RS 39:1351).

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART X. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE RESTRICTION LAWS

20. We have restricted the collections and expenditures of revenues to those amounts authorized by Louisiana statutes, tax propositions, and budget ordinances.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

21. It is true we have not advanced wages or salaries to employees or paid bonuses in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, RS 14:138, and AG opinion 79-729.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

22. It is true that no property or things of value have been loaned, pledged, or granted to anyone in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART XI. QUESTIONS FOR SPECIFIC GOVERNMENTAL UNITS

School Boards

23. We have complied with the general statutory, constitutional, and regulatory provisions of the Louisiana Department of Education, RS 17:51-

Yes [X ] No [ ]

24. We have complied with the regulatory circulars issued by the Louisiana Department of Education that govern the Minimum Foundation Program.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

25. We have, to the best of our knowledge, accurately compiled the performance measurement data contained in the following schedules and recognize that your agreed upon procedures will be applied to such schedules and performance measurement data:

Parish school boards are required to report as part of their annual financial statements measures of performance. These performance indicators are found in the supplemental schedules:

- Schedule 1, General Fund Instructional and Support Expenditures and Certain Local Revenues Sources

   -  Schedule 2, Education Levels of Public School Staff
   -  Schedule 3, Number and Type of Public Schools
   -  Schedule 4, Experience of Public Teachers and Full-time Classroom Teachers
   -  Schedule 5, Public School Staff Data
   -  Schedule 6, Class Size Characteristics
   -  Schedule 7, Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP)
   -  Schedule 8, The Graduate Exit Exam (GEE)
   -  Schedule 9, The IOWA & iLEAP Tests

Yes [ X ] No [

The previous responses have been made to the best of our belief and knowledge.

_______________________________________________Secretary___June 11, 2013___Date

_______________________________________________Treasurer___June 11, 2013 ___Date

_______________________________________________President___June 11, 2013____Date

LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

Dear Chief Executive Officer:

Please mail the completed questionnaire to P. O. Box 6075, Monroe, LA 71211-6075 or send via e-mail to jeanne@allengreencpa.com.

Your cooperation in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Margie Williamson, CPA

Partner

MW:jmb

LOUISIANA COMPLIANCE QUESTIONNAIRE

______June 11, 2013____________

Allen Green & Williamson, LLP

P. O. Box 6075

Monroe, LA 71211

In connection with your audit of our financial statements as of June 30, 2013, for the purpose of expressing an opinion as to the fair presentation of our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, to assess our system of internal control as a part of your audit, and to review our compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we confirm, to the best of our knowledge and belief, the following representations. These representations are based on the information available to us as of __June 11, 2013____(date completed/date of the representations).

PART I. AGENCY PROFILE

1. Name and address of the organization. VERNON PARISH SALES TAX DEPARTMENT

201 BELVIEW ROAD

LEESVILLE, LA 71446

N/A

3. List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of entity officials. [Include elected/appointed members of the governing board, chief executive and fiscal officer, and legal counsel]

See Attached

4. Period of time covered by this questionnaire:

June 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012

5. The entity has been organized under the following provisions of the Louisiana Revised Statute (s) (LSA-RS) and, if applicable, local resolutions/ordinances.

LSA-RS 33:2737, RS 47:301 through 47:317

6. Briefly describe the public services provided:

The Sales Tax Department collects sales tax for all applicable governmental agencies located in the Parish

7. Expiration date of current elected/appointed officials' terms.

December 31, 2014

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

PART II. PUBLIC BID LAW

8. The provisions of the public bid law, RS Title 38:2212-2296, and, where applicable, the regulations of the Division of Administration, State Purchasing Office have been complied with.

A) All public works purchases exceeding $150,000 have been publicly bid.

B.) All material and supply purchases exceeding $30,000 have been publicly bid.

C.) If applicable, a system has been established to accept bids by electronic means.
Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART III. CODE OF ETHICS LAW FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

9. It is true that no employees or officials have accepted anything of value, whether in the form of a service, loan, or promise, from anyone that would constitute a violation of RS 42:1101-1124.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART IV. LAWS AFFECTING BUDGETING

11. We have complied with the budgeting requirements of the Local Government Budget Act (RS 39:1301-16), RS 39:33, or RS 39:1331-1342, applicable.

A. Local Budget Act

1. We have adopted a budget for the General Fund and all special revenue funds (RS 39:1305).

3. The proposed budget was submitted to the governing authority and made available for public inspection at least 15 days prior to the beginning of the budget year (RS 39:1306).

5. The proposed budget was made available for public inspection at the location required by RS 39:1308.

7. After adoption, a certified copy of the budget has been retained by the chief executive officer or equivalent officer (RS 39:1309).

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART V. ACCOUNTING, AUDITING, AND FINANCIAL REPORTING LAWS

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

11. All non-exempt governmental records are available as a public record and have been retained for at least three years, as required by RS 44:1, 44:7, 44:31, and 44:36.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

12. We have filed our annual financial statements in accordance with RS 24:514, and 33:463 where applicable. Yes [X ] No [ ]

13. We have had our financial statements audited in a timely manner in accordance with RS 24:513.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART VI MEETINGS

14. We have complied with the provisions of the Open Meetings Law, provided in RS 42:1 through 42:13.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART VII. ASSET MANAGEMENT LAWS

15. We have maintained records of our fixed assets and movable property records, as required by RS 24:515 and/or 39:321-332, as applicable.

16. Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART VIII. FISCAL AGENCY AND CASH MANAGEMENT LAWS

17. We have complied with the fiscal agency and cash management requirements of RS 39:1211-45 and 49:301-327, as applicable.

18. Yes [ X ] No [ ]

PART IX. DEBT RESTRICTION LAWS

Yes [X ] No [ ]

18. We have complied with the debt limitation requirements of state law (RS 39:562).

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

19. We have complied with the reporting requirements relating to the Fiscal Review Committee of the State Bond Commission (RS 39:1351).

Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART X. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE RESTRICTION LAWS

20. We have restricted the collections and expenditures of revenues to those amounts authorized by Louisiana statutes, tax propositions, and budget ordinances.

Yes [X ] No [ ]

21. It is true we have not advanced wages or salaries to employees or paid bonuses in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution, RS 14:138, and AG opinion 79-729.

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

21. It is true that no property or things of value have been loaned, pledged, or granted to anyone in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the 1974 Louisiana Constitution.

22. Yes [X ] No [ ]

PART XI. QUESTIONS FOR SPECIFIC GOVERNMENTAL UNITS

Tax Collectors

23. We have complied with the general statutory requirements of LSA-RS 47, Chapter 4..

Yes [ X ] No [ ]

The previous responses have been made to the best of our belief and knowledge.

_______________________________________________Secretary___________________Date

_______________________________________________Treasurer___________________Date

_______________________________________________President___________________Date

Superintendent Self discussed revisions necessitated by changes to Bulletin 741 to the following policies:

UNEXPIRED TERM FULFILLMENT

Vacancies in the membership of the Vernon Parish School Board caused by death, resignation, or otherwise, shall be filled within twenty (20) days by the remaining members of the School Board, by appointment of a qualified person for the unexpired term. If the School Board does not fill the vacancy within the allotted time, the governor shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy.

If the unexpired portion is more than one (1) year, however, a special election shall be called by the School Board in accordance with and on a date stipulated by state law. If a special election is called, the appointed member shall serve until a successor is elected and has taken the prescribed oath of office.

In addition to the above, a vacancy shall be deemed to have occurred when a member becomes domiciled outside or changes his/her domicile from the district he/she represents.

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: Constitution of Louisiana, Art. VI, Sec. 13; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''18:402, 18:581, 18:602.

SCHOOL YEAR

The Vernon Parish School Board shall annually adopt a school calendar calling for a minimum session of 182 days, of which at least 177 days shall be scheduled to provide the required instructional time. However, the School Board may authorize some or all of its schools to modify the number of instructional days per year provided the minimum total number of instructional minutes per year is no less than 63,720 instructional minutes.

Revised: August, 2001

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:154, 17:154.1, 17:154.3, 17:154.4; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.

BOARD MEMBER CONTINUING EDUCATION

Each Vernon Parish School Board member shall be required to receive a minimum of six (6) hours of training and instruction annually. Training and instruction shall address such topics as the school laws of this state, 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.

Training and instruction may be received from a post-secondary education institution in this state, from instruction sponsored by the Louisiana Department of Education, 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.

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 School 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 School 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 School Board’s official journal a press release detailing the training and instruction received by each School Board member, as well as information on each School Board member who has been designated a Distinguished School Board Member.

ETHICS EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Each School Board member is required to receive a minimum of one (1) hour of education and training on the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics during each year of his/her office. All newly elected School Board members shall receive the required one (1) hour of education training within the first ninety (90) days after taking the oath of office. This required ethics educational training is separate and apart from the six (6) hours of the annual continuing education requirements stated above.

Revised: December, 2008

Revised: November, 2010

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:53, 42:1170; Board minutes, 2-5-09, 12-2-10.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

The Vernon Parish School Board shall authorize and direct the Superintendent to ensure workers' compensation coverage for its employees. Employees injured while acting in their official capacity shall be entitled to appropriate workers’ compensation benefits prescribed under state statutes for the period of time while injured. Any employee reporting an injury or incapacitation due to a work-related accident shall be required to submit proper certification of the injury and/or incapacitation from a licensed physician.

At the time of employment, all employees shall be required to complete a questionnaire about their health and any previous accidents, injuries, or workers’ compensation claims submitted, which shall be maintained in the employee’s personnel file.

REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS

Should an accident occur to an employee while in the course of his/her duties, the employee shall immediately notify his/her supervisor. Once reported, a detailed report shall be submitted by the employee's supervisor to the Superintendent or designee within five (5) days of the accident. Additional written commentary about the accident may also be required from the employee's supervisor. Periodic medical exams and subsequent reports verifying prolonged disability may be required as needed.

Immediately following any accident, whether or not injury occurs, the administrator of the school or facility shall file an Investigation of Accident Report with the Superintendent or designee. If an injury occurs, an LWC-WC-1007 Form (LouisianaWorkforce Commission, Worker's Compensation Form 1007) must also be completed.

BENEFITS

Employees injured while on official school business are entitled to applicable workers’ compensation benefits in accordance with state law. Workers’ compensation benefits are generally paid in accordance with the following:

1. Weekly workers' compensation wage benefits do not begin until an employee has been disabled for more than one week (7 calendar days). If the employee is absent for two (2) weeks or longer, he/she is entitled to receive wage benefits for the first week of that disability.

2. As a general rule, an employee's weekly wage benefits under workers' compensation can be calculated by dividing his/her annual salary by 52 weeks and multiplying by 66-2/3%, up to the maximum average weekly wage (AWW) calculated by the State each year.

3. Sick leave benefits may be used to supplement workers’ compensation benefits but only up to 100% of the teacher’s salary at the time of injury. If a teacher chooses to utilize current and accumulated sick leave benefits, his/her balance of current and accumulated sick leave days will be reduced by the corresponding percentage of the teacher's salary paid for with sick leave benefits.

If an employee who has chosen to simultaneously receive both workers' compensation wage benefits and current and accumulated sick leave benefits exhausts all sick leave days, he/she shall thereafter receive only workers' compensation wage benefits.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE

No workers' compensation benefits shall be allowed for an injury caused by the injured employee's intoxication at the time of injury.

In order to support a finding of intoxication due to alcohol or drug use, the School Board shall have the right to administer drug and alcohol testing or demand that the employee submit to drug and alcohol testing immediately after the alleged job accident. If the results of the drug test are positive, or the alcohol tests show blood alcohol equal to or greater than the limits outlined in state law, the employee shall be considered intoxicated, in which case the employee shall not be entitled to any workers' compensation benefits.

If the employee refuses to submit to drug and alcohol testing immediately after the accident, then it shall be presumed that the employee was intoxicated at the time of the accident, in which case the employee shall not be entitled to any workers' compensation benefits.

All drug and alcohol testing shall be in accordance with state law and School Board policy (see procedures in policy GAME, Substance Abuse and Alcohol Testing).

LOSS CONTROL

The School Board, recognizing the potential severity of on-the-job injuries and its costs to the school system and employees, shall require the Superintendent to maintain an aggressive loss control program aimed at reducing and controlling risks of personal injury to employees and property damage to School Board facilities. The loss control program shall assure compliance with all safety and health laws, ordinances, and regulations that apply to the work place.

SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS

The Superintendent shall be authorized to settle workers' compensation claims after consultation with School Board counsel and the third-party claims administrator.

Revised: April, 2006

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:1201, 23:1021, 23:1031, 23:1034, 23:1081, 23:1121, 23:1124, 23:1201, 23:1208.1, 23:1224; Israel v. Gray Ins. Co., 720 So2d 803 (98-525 La. App.3 Cir. 10/28/98); Board minutes, 6-1-06.

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 School Board.

The organization and scheduling of subjects in the curriculum of the school district shall conform to BESE requirements and statewide content standards for required subjects. 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 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 Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has granted school systems the authority to develop, review, and approve all locally-initiated electives. The process shall ensure alignment with standards-based initiatives, compliance with current BESE policies, and all laws and regulations pertaining to students with disabilities. Electives shall enhance, expand, and/or refine the core curriculum. Elective courses shall not replace, duplicate, or significantly overlap the content of core curriculum or other approved electives.

Proper documentation of all approved electives shall be maintained.

Revised: December, 1997

Revised: July, 1999

Revised: October, 2001

Revised: December, 2009

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:154, 17:181, 17:182, 17:183, 17:183.1, 17:183.2, 17:183.3, 17:183.5, 17:261, 17:262, 17:266, 17:268; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 1-12-10.

SUMMER SCHOOL

The Vernon Parish School Board may offer a summer school program for students at the elementary and secondary levels, and shall offer school remediation and retest opportunities as outlined in Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Bulletin 1566, Pupil Progression Policies and Procedures.

Elementary summer schools may offer programs to enable students not meeting the promotion criteria during the regular school year to attend a summer school to remove deficiencies and be considered for promotion to the next grade or to provide additional learning opportunities. Students attending summer school for promotional purposes shall have written consent by the principal of the last school they attended.

Students not passing the Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) exam administered in the spring of each year in grades 4 and 8, are highly recommended to attend a summer school remediation program for remediation in the specific area needed and may be retested at the conclusion of the course. Summer remediation shall consist of a minimum of fifty (50) hours of instruction per subject.

Secondary schools may offer summer school to enable students to schedule courses to enrich their experiences, to take new subjects, and to enable students who have failed in subjects to remove deficiencies. The administration of the summer school shall have the written permission from the principal of the students’ home school in order for high school credit to be awarded.

All students with disabilities should receive services along with regular education students in summer programs, with special supports provided as needed.

Students attending summer school session may be charged a fee. Fees shall be set by the School Board upon recommendation of the Superintendent and his/her administrative staff.

Revised: November, 1999

Revised: July, 2002

Revised: April, 2008

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:24.4; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Pupil Progression Policies and Procedures, Bulletin 1566, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 3-12-02, 6-5-08.

KINDERGARTEN

The Vernon Parish School Board shall offer full-day kindergarten instruction to each eligible child and require every child entering kindergarten for the first time be given a valid and reliable readiness assessment. The results of this assessment shall be used for measuring student readiness for kindergarten and for planning instruction.

Each child entering kindergarten for the first time shall be assessed at the beginning of the school year. The parent or guardian of each child shall be advised of the child’s level of readiness.

New policy: August, 2011

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:24.4, 17:391.11; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 10-11-11.

CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

The Vernon Parish School Board shall be committed to providing for each of its schools a program of student activities to all students in a manner which allows students equal opportunity to participate in services and activities. The School Board shall require all schools to abide by the regulations of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in regard to student activities. All student activities are to be under the control of designated personnel; including the handling of all finances, the purchase of all equipment and supplies, and the employment of and payment of salaries to all personnel connected with the activity.

Student organizations shall generally be encouraged when they meet the simple criteria of contributing to learning rather than detracting from it. Such organizations shall operate within the framework of the law, School Board policy, administrative rules, and the parameters of the learning program. Their establishment and operation shall be facilitated in reasonable ways by district staff and through utilization of district resources.

The principal shall develop general guidelines for student organizations. Among other provisions, such guidelines shall require the assignment of at least one faculty advisor to each student organization.

All work missed by students while participating in student activities or events shall be made up and completed in a manner that would be required of any other students in order to receive credit.

No student shall be allowed to participate in any event on the day or night while the student is under suspension from school.

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Co-curricular activities are those activities that are relevant, supportive, and are an integral part of the course of study in which the student is enrolled and which are under the supervision and/or coordination of the school instructional staff. These activities may take place during the instructional day, since they are directly related to instruction; however, every effort must be made in scheduling these events to interrupt the school instructional day as little as possible. These activities are:

Science and social studies fairs; state and national level conferences and conventions of student organizations; student-teacher-parent conferences; club meetings which are directly related to courses in which the student is enrolled, such as: FBLA, Mu Alpha Theta, FHA, 4-H, DECA, science club, social studies club, etc.; concerts and other cultural performances in the schools; student evaluations; and college and career fairs.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extracurricular activities are those activities which are not directly related to the program of studies and which are under the supervision and/or coordination of the school instructional staff and are considered valuable for the overall development of the student.

Extracurricular activities shall not be scheduled during instructional time.

SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT PARTICIPATION

All non-academic and extracurricular services and activities shall be offered to all exceptional students in a manner that allows them equal opportunity to participate in services and activities.

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:176; LouisianaHandbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Official Handbook, Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

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 Vernon Parish School 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 School 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 be provided 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 receipt 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 School 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, including special education records, if applicable, 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, whether by mail or otherwise, shall occur no later than ten (10) business days from the date of receipt of a written request.

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

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: 20 USC 1232 (g-i) (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), 20 USC 7908 (Armed Forces Recruiter Access to Student Information), 34 CFR 99.1-99.67 (Family Educational Rights and Privacy – Federal Regulations); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''9:351, 17:81, 17:112, 17:221.3, 44:4, 44:4.1, 44:31, 44:32; La. Civil Code, Art. 131, 134, 250; Board minutes, 3-13-03, 1-12-10.

ADULT EDUCATION

Students must be 18 years of age or older to enroll in an Adult Education program. However, the parent, tutor, or other person responsible for the school attendance of a child who is under the age of eighteen (18) and who is enrolled in school beyond his/her sixteenth (16^th) birthday may request a waiver from the Superintendent for the child to exit school to enroll and attend an adult education program approved by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS).

In the case of a child with no parent, tutor, or other person responsible for his/her school attendance, the Superintendent may act on behalf of the student in making such a request if one or more of the following hardships exist and if the following appropriate documentation is on file at the Vernon Parish School Board office:

1. pregnant or actively parenting;

2. incarcerated or adjudicated;

3. institutionalized or living in a residential facility;

4. chronic physical or mental illness;

5. family and/or economic hardship.

Family and/or economic hardship is defined as a student who acts as a caregiver or who must work to support the family due to a parent’s death or illness, or needs to be removed from an existing home environment.

The Superintendent or his/her designee may approve the request without requesting action from BESE. If the request to exit school to enroll in a LCTCS-approved Adult Education program is denied by the Superintendent, a student may request the waiver from the Louisiana Department of Education for approval by BESE with documentation of reason for denial at the local level.

Revised: November, 2002

Revised: April, 2008

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: 29 USC 2801 et seq. (Workforce Investment Systems); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:14, 17:221; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Adult Education/GED Policies, Louisiana Community and Technical College System; Board minutes, 12-10-02, 6-5-08.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

EARNING OF CREDIT

The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes that an effective educational program is one that provides varied opportunities for students to meet their respective needs and interests in pursuit of accumulating credit for their eventual graduation from high school. Each school’s instructional program shall be characterized by well-defined instructional objectives and systematic planning which reflects the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved statewide course content standards. Assessment of student performance shall be conducted in each course of instructional level, and mastery of concepts and skills shall be verified.

Students may earn Carnegie credit as middle or high school students in two (2) ways:

1. By passing a course in which the student is enrolled and meeting instructional time requirements, as set forth below; or

2. By demonstrating proficiency as set forth below.

Students must be in attendance for a minimum of 7,965 minutes to earn one (1) Carnegie credit, and a minimum of 3,983 minutes in order to earn one-half (½) Carnegie credit.

When awarding Carnegie credit based on demonstrated proficiency for any student or group of students, the School Board shall provide the Louisiana Department of Education with the following information:

1. the name of the examination used to measure proficiency, if nationally recognized, or

2. a copy of the examination used to measure proficiency, if locally developed or not nationally recognized and the score required to demonstrate proficiency; or

3. a listing of requirements to demonstrate proficiency through portfolio submissions.

Proficiency in a course with a state administered End of Course exam must be demonstrated using the End of Course exam. The Louisiana Department of Education may require revisions of assessments in order to ensure that they adequately measure proficiency.

Students meeting the requirements for Carnegie credit based on proficiency shall have the course title, the year proficiency was demonstrated, and the unit of credit earned entered on their transcript.

New policy: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:10.1, 17:24.4, 17:81; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.

CREDIT RECOVERY

The Vernon Parish School Board shall conduct a credit recovery program designed to allow students an opportunity to earn high school credit for courses they have failed in the past. The program shall be intended to help students by delivering educational services in a flexible, time-efficient manner in order to help them succeed academically and ultimately graduate.

Credit recovery courses shall be aligned with Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) approved statewide course content standards for required subjects. Credit recovery courses taught in a classroom setting using computer software programs designed for credit recovery must be facilitated by a certified teacher. Additional instruction to cover standards and grade-level expectations not included in the software programs shall be provided by a teacher properly certified in the content area.

Students earning Carnegie credit in a credit recovery course must have previously taken and failed the course. Students shall not be required to meet minimum attendance requirements for credit recovery courses, provided students have met attendance requirements when they took the course previously or the students' combined attendance during the previous course and the credit recovery course meet the necessary attendance requirements.

New policy: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:24.4, 17:81; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.

ATTENDANCE

In accordance with state law, it is the responsibility of every parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a child between the ages of seven (7) and eighteen (18) to enforce the attendance of his or her child at the school to which the student is assigned. Once a pupil arrives at school, he/she is expected to remain and attend each class throughout the day.

A student is considered to be in attendance when he or she is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and is under the supervision of authorized personnel. This definition for attendance would extend to students who are homebound, assigned to and participating in drug rehabilitation programs that contain a state-approved education component, participating in school-authorized field trips or other school-approved activities, or taking a state-approved virtual course.

• Half-day attendance - A student is considered to be in attendance for one-half day when he or she (1) is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and (2) is under the supervision of authorized personnel for more than 25% but not more than half (26%-50%) of the student's instructional day.

• Whole-day attendance - A student is considered to be in attendance for a whole day when he or she (1) is physically present at a school site or is participating in an authorized school activity and (2) is under the supervision of authorized personnel for more than 50% (51%-100%) of the student's instructional day.

Compulsory attendance laws and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regulations require high school students to be in attendance a minimum of 30,060 minutes (equivalent to 83.5 six hour school days) per semester or 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six-hour school days) a school year for schools not operating on a semester basis in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken.

Elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six-hour days) a school year in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken.

Students in danger of failing due to excessive absences may be allowed to make up missed time in class sessions held outside the regular class time. The make up sessions must be completed before the end of the current semester and all other applicable policies must be met.

JURISDICTION

All students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school during normal school hours, from the time the student arrives at school each day until he or she leaves the school campus in the afternoon. In case a student rides a bus, he or she shall be under the jurisdiction of the school from the time he or she boards the bus until the student exits the bus in the afternoon. Students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school while attending any school sponsored activity either at school or away from school. This shall apply to all students, including athletic teams, pep clubs, band and other student organizations. In disciplinary matters, the School Board’s authority may extend beyond the limits set forth above, in accordance with state law.

Revised: December, 1991

Revised: January, 1996

Revised: April, 2008

Revised: September, 2008

Revised: August, 2010

Revised: July, 2011

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:221, 17:226, 17:227, 17:233; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 6-5-08, 10-7-08, 2-8-11, 7-12-11.

UNSAFE SCHOOL CHOICE

The Vernon Parish School Board, as required by federal law, shall permit students attending a persistently dangerous public school, or students who become victims of a violent criminal offense while in or on the grounds of a public school that they attend, to attend a safe public school. The State of Louisiana shall notify the School Board each year if any of the schools are identified as unsafe. Transfer of any student from a school classified as unsafe shall be in accordance with the following guidelines.

STUDENTS WHO ARE VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE

A student at a public elementary school, middle school or high school who becomes a victim of a crime of violence, as defined by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:2, while on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored event, shall be given the option to transfer to another public school within Vernon Parish which offers instruction at the student’s grade level and which is not persistently dangerous, if there is such a school within the school district.

A student who is enrolled in an alternative school or a special school and who becomes a victim of a crime of violence, as defined by La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:2, while on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored event, shall be given the option to transfer to another such public school within Vernon Parish which offers instruction at the student’s grade-level, for which the student meets the admission requirements and which is not persistently dangerous, if there is such a school within the school district. However, a student who has been assigned to a particular school, such as an alternative school or a special school, by court order shall not have the option to transfer.

A student who has been the victim of a crime of violence and who must be given the option to transfer should generally be given the option to transfer within ten (10) calendar days from the date on which the crime of violence occurred.

PERSISTENTLY DANGEROUS SCHOOLS

Students attending a persistently dangerous public elementary school, middle school or high school shall be given the option to transfer to another public school within Vernon Parish, which offers instruction at the students’ grade level and which is not persistently dangerous, if there is such a school within the school district.

A student who is enrolled in an alternative school or a special school which is persistently dangerous shall be given the option to transfer to another such public school within the school district, which offers instruction at the student’s grade-level, for which the student meets the admission requirements and which is not persistently dangerous, if there is such a school within the school district. However, a student who has been assigned to a particular school, such as an alternative school or a special school, by court order shall not have the option to transfer.

The School Board, in a timely manner, shall notify parents of each student attending the school that the school has been identified as persistently dangerous, offer the students the opportunity to transfer and complete the transfer. Although timely implementation of these steps depends on the specific circumstances within the school district, students should generally be offered the option to transfer within twenty (20) school days from the time the school district is notified that the school has been identified as persistently dangerous. Although the transfer may be temporary or permanent, the transfer must remain in effect for at least as long as the school is identified as persistently dangerous.

A school shall not be considered as persistently dangerous if the school no longer meets the identifying criteria.

INTERDISTRICT AGREEMENTS

Nothing herein shall prohibit school districts from entering into agreements with one another allowing students who become the victims of crimes of violence while on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event or who are attending persistently dangerous schools in one school district the option to transfer to a school, which is not persistently dangerous, in another school district. However, a student who has been assigned to a particular school, such as an alternative school or a special school, by court order shall not have the option to transfer.

New policy: May, 2013

Ref: 20 USC 7912 (Unsafe School Choice Option); Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.

SUSPENSION

The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes its authority to maintain good order and discipline within the schools of the school district. Therefore, the School Board recognizes the principal's authority to suspend a pupil for a specified period of time in accordance with statutory provisions. The number of school days a student may be suspended shall not exceed the number of school days remaining in the school year.

In each case of suspension, the school principal, or his or her designee, prior to any suspension, shall advise the student of the particular misconduct of which he/she is accused as well as the basis for such accusation, and the pupil shall be given an opportunity at that time to explain his/her version of the facts. The principal/designee shall contact the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to notify them of the suspension, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the pupil. Notice shall be given by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card, or by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card. The principal shall promptly advise the Superintendent or designee of all such suspensions, stating the reasons for the suspensions.

Students suspended for more than ten (10) days shall remain under the supervision of the school system using an alternative education program designed to continue the educational process in an alternative educational placement. The student shall be placed in an alternative school or an alternative education program and shall be required to attend and participate in such school, program, or educational services.

No suspended pupil shall be allowed to leave the school premises during the school day until the parent, guardian, or other proper authorities assume responsibility for him/her, unless immediate removal from school due to danger or threat of disruption to academic process is warranted.

If the parent, tutor, or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of notification, the truancy laws shall be effective. On not more than one occasion each school year when the parent, tutor, or legal guardian refuses to respond to the notice, the principal may determine whether readmitting the pupil is in the best interest of the pupil. On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the pupil shall not be readmitted unless the parent, tutor, or legal guardian, court, or other appointed representative responds.

In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil to attend a conference or meeting regarding the pupil's behavior and after notice, the parent, tutor, or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal or his/her designee shall file a complaint, in accordance with statutory provisions, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction.

When a pupil is suspended for a second time within one school year, the principal may require a counseling session be held with the parent and pupil by the school counselor. If no counselor is available, the conference may be held with all the pupil's teachers and the principal or other administrator.

Any student, after being suspended on three (3) occasions for committing drugs or weapons offenses during the same school year, shall, upon committing the fourth offense, be expelled from all the public schools of the system until the beginning of the next regular school year, and the pupil's reinstatement shall be subject to the review and approval of the Board.

The principal and other appropriate personnel shall be required to file written documentation of all suspensions. Said documentation shall include the circumstances surrounding any suspension, the reason for suspension, and any other pertinent facts concerning the disciplinary action. The principal shall file copies of his/her report with the Superintendent, other appropriate personnel and the parent or guardian and retain a copy for his/her records.

Upon the seizure by any teacher, principal, school security guard, or other school administrator of any firearm, knife, or other dangerous implement which could be used as a weapon or inflict injury, the principal or his or her designee shall be required to report the confiscation to appropriate law enforcement officials. (Moved from below)

Appeal

Any parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil suspended shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee, who shall conduct a hearing on the merits. If the parent or legal guardian is not present for the hearing after having been properly notified, the hearing may proceed and the results of the hearing shall be mailed to the parent or legal guardian within three (3) school days by certified mail, return receipt requested. The decision of the Superintendent on the merits of the case, as well as the term of suspension, shall be final, reserving to the Superintendent the right to remit any portion of the time of suspension.

MANDATORY SUSPENSION

Firearms, Knives, Other Dangerous Instrumentalities, Drugs

The principal shall be required to suspend a pupil who:

1. is found carrying or possessing a firearm or a knife with a blade two (2) inches or longer, or another dangerous instrumentality, except as provided below under the section entitled Suspension Not Applicable; or

2. possesses, distributes, sells, gives, or loans any controlled dangerous substance governed by state law, in any form.

Additionally, the principal shall immediately recommend the pupil's expulsion to the Superintendent, for the above offenses, except in the case of a student less than eleven (11) years of age in pre-kindergarten through grade 5 who is found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade two (2) inches or longer, the principal may, but shall not be required to recommend the student's expulsion. A student found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade less than two (2) inches in length may be suspended by the school principal, but, in appropriate cases, at a minimum, shall be placed in in-school suspension.

Assault or Battery of School Employees

Whenever a pupil is formally accused of violating state law or school disciplinary regulations, or both, by committing assault or battery on any school employee, the principal shall suspend the pupil from school immediately and the pupil shall be removed immediately from the school premises without the benefit of required procedures, provided, however, that such procedures shall follow as soon as practicable. The student shall not be readmitted to the school to which the employee is assigned until all hearings and appeals associated with the alleged violation have been exhausted.

SUSPENSION NOT APPLICABLE

Suspension of a student shall not apply to the following:

1. A student carrying or possessing a firearm or knife for purposes of involvement in a school class, course, or school approved co-curricular or extracurricular activity or any other activity approved by appropriate school officials.

2. A student possessing any controlled dangerous substance that has been obtained directly or due to a valid prescription or order from a licensed physician. However, such student shall carry evidence of that prescription or physician's order on his/her person at all times when in possession of any controlled dangerous substance which shall be subject to verification.

In addition, school officials, in accordance with statutory provisions, shall have total discretion and shall exercise such discretion in imposing on a pupil any disciplinary actions authorized by state law for possession by a pupil of a firearm or knife on school property when such firearm or knife is stored in a motor vehicle and there is no evidence of the pupil's intent to use the firearm or knife in a criminal manner.

CREDIT FOR SCHOOL WORK MISSED

A student who is suspended for ten (10) days or fewer shall be assigned school work missed while he/she is suspended and shall receive either partial or full credit for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or his/her designee, upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher.

A student who is suspended for more than ten (10) days and receives educational services at an alternative school site, shall be assigned work by a certified teacher and shall receive credit for school work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the teacher. Such work shall be aligned with the curriculum used at the school from which the student is suspended.

RECUSAL OF ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINE MATTERS

Any school administrator or administrator's designee who is required to make a recommendation, decide an issue, or take action in a matter involving the discipline of a student shall recuse himself/herself whenever a member of the immediate family of the administrator or administrator's designee is involved in any manner in the discipline matter. In case of recusal, the action to be taken shall be done so by the Superintendent or an impartial designee of the Superintendent.

Immediate family means the individual's children, brothers, sisters, parents, and spouse and the children, brothers, sisters, and parents of the spouse.

SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Suspension of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with applicable state or federal law and regulations.

Revised: December, 1992 Revised: September, 2006

Revised: August, 1994 Revised: August, 2007

Revised: December, 1995 Revised: September, 2009

Revised: July, 1996 Revised: November, 2012

Revised: September, 1997 Revised: May, 2013

Revised: August, 1999

Revised: August, 2003

Revised: August, 2005

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:223, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.2, 17:416.3; Goss v. Lopez, 95 S. Ct. 729 (1973); Regulations for Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 9-4-03, 9-6-05, 10-10-06, 10-4-07, 12-11-12.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

HEALTH CARE CENTERS

In order to provide adequate health care and services to students, the Vernon Parish School Board may authorize the establishment of student health care centers in the schools of the parish. Any health clinic established shall be supervised by a school nurse, who shall be licensed in accordance with state law. Health care centers shall provide services which include, but are not limited to the following: treatment of minor illness and injury, routine physical examinations, immunizations, referrals to alcohol and drug abuse prevention program counselors, and mental health services. No student shall receive any type of service unless the required standardized school health forms as outlined in Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741 have been signed, returned to school, and have been filed in the clinic.

HEARING AND VISION SCREENING

The School Board, during the first semester of the school year, or within thirty (30) days after the admission of students entering school late in the session, shall test the sight, including color screening for all first grade students, and hearing of students according to the schedule outlined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, except those students whose parents or guardians may object to such tests. Students may also be tested upon referral or requests of teachers and/or parents.

A record of such examination shall be kept and the administrators shall be required to follow up on the deficiencies within sixty (60) days, and shall notify in writing the parent or tutor of every pupil found to have any defect of sight or hearing. A written report of all such examinations shall be made to the state superintendent of education but shall not be made available to the public.

EDUCATIONAL SCREENING AND EVALUATION

Every student in grades kindergarten through third shall be screened, at least once, for the existence of impediments to a successful school experience. No student shall be screened if his/her parent or guardian objects to such screening. Such impediments shall include:

1. dyslexia and related disorders;

2. attention deficit disorder; and

3. social and environmental factors that put a student "at risk."

Students in need of services and/or assistance shall have it provided to them.

The screenings shall be done directly by elementary school counselors, pupil appraisal personnel, teachers, or any other professional employees of the School Board who have been appropriately trained, all of whom shall operate as advocates for the students identified as needing services or assistance. No screenings shall be done by persons who have not been trained to do such screenings.

The School Board shall ensure that educational screening activities, conducted by a committee at the school level, shall be completed before a student is referred for an individual evaluation through pupil appraisal services.

Students who are experiencing learning or adjustment difficulties in a regular program, but are not thought to be exceptional, may receive support services from pupil appraisal by a referral from a committee at the school level.

Testing for Dyslexia

Upon the request of a parent, student, school nurse, classroom teacher, or other school personnel who has reason to believe that a student has a need to be tested for dyslexia and related disorders, that student shall be referred to the school building level committee for additional testing. The School Board shall provide remediation for students with dyslexia or related disorders in an appropriate education program.

For purposes of this policy, dyslexia shall be defined as difficulty with the alphabet, reading, reading comprehension, writing, and spelling in spite of adequate intelligence, exposure, and cultural opportunity.

OTHER HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

The School Board acknowledges that only properly trained personnel shall make recommendations regarding certain health issues of students.

The School Board shall prohibit, in accordance with statutory provisions, any teacher employed by the School Board from recommending that a student be administered a pyschotropic drug, specifying or identifying any specific mental health diagnosis for a student, or using a parent's or guardian's refusal to consent to the administration of a psychotropic drug to a student or to a psychiatric evaluation, screening, or examination of a student as grounds for prohibiting the student from attending any class or participating in any school-related activity or as the sole basis of accusations of child abuse or neglect against the parent or guardian.

The provisions of the above paragraph shall not be construed so as to prohibit any of the following:

1. An employee of the School Board who is a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, or an appropriately credentialed mental health professional or teacher from recommending that a student be evaluated by an appropriate medical practitioner.

2. A teacher or other certified employee of the School Board from suggesting a student be assessed or evaluated by qualified employees of the School Board who perform such function.

3. A teacher assessing or evaluating any element of a student's academic readiness, performance, or achievement.

4. Any employee of the School Board from discussing any aspect of a student's behavior or academic progress with the student's parent or guardian or any other employee of the School Board.

Definitions

Psychotropic drug shall mean a substance that is used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a medication and is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior.

Teacher, for purposes of this section of the policy, shall mean any person employed by the School Board, who, as a condition of employment, is required to hold a valid teaching certificate issued by the Louisiana Department of Education and any person employed by the School Board as a substitute teacher.

ADMINISTERING CATHETERS

The School Board shall not require any employee other than a registered nurse or a licensed medical physician to catheterize any student until all of the following conditions have been met:

1. A registered nurse or licensed medical physician, employed by the School Board, has assessed the health status of the specific child in his/her specific educational setting. The registered nurse has determined that the procedure could be safely performed, the results are predictable and could be delegated to someone other than a registered nurse following documented training.

2. The registered nurse or licensed medical physician shall train at least two (2) employees to catheterize the specific child in his/her educational setting. The employees shall be given not less than eight (8) hours of training in the area of catheterization of students.

3. Following the training provided for in #2, no catheterization may be performed unless prescribed in writing by a licensed medical physician. The employee, other than the registered nurse or licensed medical physician, shall be required to complete, under the direct supervision of a registered nurse, a minimum of five (5) catheterizations. Upon one hundred percent successful completion of these catheterizations, the registered nurse or licensed medical physician and the trainee shall sign a standard form indicating that the trainee has attained the prescribed level of competency. A copy of this form shall be kept on file by the school system.

4. Individuals who are required to perform catheterizations and have been trained according to statutory provisions, may not decline to perform such service except as exempted by a licensed medical physician or a registered nurse. The reasons for such exemption shall be documented and certified by the licensed medical physician or a registered nurse within seventy-two (72) hours.

5. Any employee shall have the right to request that another School Board employee be present while catheterizing the student, to serve as a witness to the procedure. After making such a request, the employee shall not be required to catheterize a student without such a witness.

The provisions of this part of the policy shall be restricted to those students who have had intermittent catheterization prescribed as a treatment for urinary or neurologic dysfunction and not for continuous bladder drainage or to obtain urine specimens for diagnostic purposes. No employee shall be requested to catheterize any student for continuous bladder drainage or to obtain urine specimens for diagnostic purposes.

PERFORMING NONCOMPLEX HEALTH PROCEDURES

The term noncomplex health procedure shall mean a task which is safely performed according to exact directions, with no need to alter the standard procedure, and which yields predictable results. It shall include the following:

1. Modified activities of daily living which require special instruction such as toileting/diapering, bowel/bladder training, toilet training, oral/dental hygiene, lifting/positioning, and oral feeding.

2. Health maintenance procedures such as postural drainage, percussion, tracheostomy suctioning, gastrostomy feeding and monitoring of these procedures.

3. Screenings such as growth, vital signs, hearing, vision, and scoliosis.

The School Board shall not require any employee other than a registered nurse, licensed medical physician, an appropriate licensed health professional, or, in the case of tracheostomy suctioning procedure, any hired and trained unlicensed nursing personnel or unlicensed assistive personnel as defined by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, to perform noncomplex health procedures until all the following conditions have been met:

1. A registered nurse or a licensed medical physician and, when appropriate, another licensed health professional employed by the School Board, has assessed the health status of the specific child in his/her specific educational setting and has determined that, according to the legal standards of the respective licensed health professional performing such procedure, the procedure can be safely performed, the results are predictable, and the procedure can be delegated to someone other than a licensed health professional following documented training.

2. The registered nurse or the licensed medical physician and, when appropriate, another licensed health professional shall train, in his or her area of expertise, at least two (2) such employees to perform noncomplex health procedures on the specific child in his/her educational setting. The employees shall be given not less than four (4) hours of training in the area of noncomplex health procedures.

3. Following the training provided for in #2, no noncomplex health procedure, except screenings and activities of daily living such as toileting/diapering, toilet training, oral/dental hygiene, oral feeding, lifting, and positioning may be performed unless prescribed in writing by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state of Louisiana or an adjacent state.

The employee, other than the registered nurse, licensed medical physician, or appropriate licensed health professional shall be required to complete, under the direct supervision or coordination of a registered nurse, a minimum of three (3) satisfactory demonstrations. Upon satisfactory completion of these noncomplex health procedures, the registered nurse, licensed medical physician, or appropriate licensed health professional and the trainee shall sign a standard form indicating that the trainee has attained the prescribed level of competency. A copy of this form shall be kept on file by the school system.

4. Individuals who are required to perform noncomplex health procedures and have been trained according to the provisions of state law and this policy may not decline to perform such service at the time indicated except as exempted for reasons as noted by the licensed medical physician or registered nurse. The reasons for such exemption shall be documented and certified by the licensed medical physician or a registered nurse within seventy-two (72) hours.

5. An employee shall have the right to request that another School Board employee be present while he/she is performing noncomplex health procedures for a student, to serve as a witness to the procedure. After making such a request, the employee shall not be required to perform noncomplex health procedures without such a witness.

6. Employees who have volunteered to perform a tracheostomy suctioning procedure and who comply with the training and demonstration requirements outlined in #2 and #3 above may be allowed to perform such procedure on a child in an educational setting.

The School Board shall provide the necessary safety equipment, materials, and supplies to each employee who performs noncomplex health procedures. Such safety equipment, materials, and supplies shall include but not be limited to gloves, anti-bacterial soaps and wipes, paper towels and masks.

For the purposes of this section of the policy, employee means any appropriate member of the education staff, and appropriate licensed health professional shall include a licensed practical nurse.

Revised: December, 1995

Revised: December, 1997

Revised: August, 2003

Revised: September, 2006

Revised: June, 2008

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: Irving Independent School District v. Tatro, 104 S. Ct. 33371 (1984); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403, 17:170, 17:392.1, 17:435, 17:436, 17:436.2, 17:2112, 40:31.3; Health and Safety, Bulletin 135, Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 9-4-03, 10-10-06, 7-10-08.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION

It is the policy of the Vernon Parish School Board that the administration of medication to students at school shall meet the following conditions and limitations. As used in this policy, the term medication shall include all prescription and non-prescription drugs.

1. WRITTEN ORDERS, APPROPRIATE CONTAINERS, LABELS, AND INFORMATION

A. Medication shall not be administered to any student without a completed Medication Order from a physician or dentist licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana or an adjacent state, or any other authorized prescriber authorized in the state of Louisiana to prescribe medication or devices, and a letter of request and authorization from the student's parent or guardian. The following information shall be included:

1) the student's name

2) the name and signature of the physician/dentist/other authorized prescriber

3) physician's/dentist's/other authorized prescriber's business address, office phone number, and emergency phone numbers

4) student's diagnosis

5) name, amount of each school dose, time of school administration, route of medication, and reason for use of medication

6) a written statement of the desired effects and the child specific potential adverse effects

B. Medication shall be provided to the school by the parent/legal guardian in the container that meets acceptable pharmaceutical standards and shall include the following information:

1) name of pharmacy

2) address and telephone number of pharmacy

3) prescription number

4) date dispensed

5) name of student

6) clear directions for use, including the route, frequency, and other as indicated

7) drug name and strength

8) last name and initial of pharmacist

9) cautionary auxiliary labels, if applicable

10) physician's/dentist's/other authorized prescriber's name

Labels of prepackaged medications, when dispensed, shall contain the following information in addition to the regular pharmacy label:

1) drug name

2) dosage form

3) strength

4) quantity

5) name of manufacturer and/or distributor

6) manufacturer's lot or batch number

2. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION: GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. Once trained, the school employee who administers medication may not decline to perform such service at the time indicated, unless exempted in writing by the MD or RN.

B. During the period when the medication is administered the person administering medication must be relieved of all other duties. This requirement does not include the observation period required in 2.-F below.

C. Except in the case of a trained unlicensed diabetes care assistant administering diabetes medications (if applicable) or in life-threatening situations, trained unlicensed school personnel may not administer injectable medications.

D. All medications must be stored in a secured locked area or locked drawer with limited access except by authorized trained school personnel.

E. Only oral, inhalant, topical ointment for diaper rash, and emergency medications may be administered at school by unlicensed, but trained, school personnel. Under special circumstances, other medications not mentioned above may be administered as necessary, as approved by the school nurse.

F. Each student must be observed by a school employee for a period of 45 minutes following the administration of medication. This observation may occur during instruction time.

G. School medication orders shall be limited to medication which cannot be administered before or after school hours.

3. PRINCIPAL

The principal shall designate at least two (2) employees to receive training and administer medications in each school.

4. TEACHER

The classroom teacher who is not otherwise previously contractually required shall not be assigned to administer medications to students. A teacher may request in writing to volunteer to administer medications to his/her own students. The administration of medications shall not be a condition of employment of teachers employed subsequent to July 1, 1994. A regular education teacher who is assigned an exceptional child shall not be required to administer medications.

5. SCHOOL NURSE

A. The school nurse, in collaboration with the principal, shall supervise the implementation of the school policies for the administration of medications in schools to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the students.

B. The school nurse shall be responsible for the training of non-medical personnel who have been designated by each principal to administer medications in each school. The training must be at least six (6) hours and include but not be limited to the following provisions:

1) Proper procedures for administration of medications including controlled substances

2) Storage and disposal of medications

3) Appropriate and correct record keeping

4) Appropriate actions when unusual circumstances or medication reactions occur

5) Appropriate use or resources

6. PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN

A. The parent/legal guardian who wishes medication administered to his/her child shall provide the following:

1) A letter of request and authorization that contains the following information:

a. the student's name;

b. clear instructions for school administration;

c. RX number, if any;

d. current date;

e. student's diagnosis;

f. name, amount of each school dose, time of school administration, route of medication, and reason for use of medication;

g. physician's/dentist's/other authorized prescriber's name;

h. the parent's/legal guardian's printed name and signature;

i. parent's/legal guardian's emergency phone number;

j. statement granting or withholding release of medical information;

2) A written order for each medication to be given at school, including annual renewals at the beginning of the school year. The new orders dated before July of that school year shall not be accepted. No corrections shall be accepted on the physician's Medication Order form. Alteration of this form in any way or falsification of the signature is grounds for prosecution. Orders for multiple medications on the same form, an incomplete form, or a form with a physician's/dentist's/other authorized prescriber's stamp shall not be accepted. Faxed orders may be accepted; original orders must be received within five (5) business days.

3) A prescription for all medications to be administered at school, including medications that might ordinarily be available over-the-counter. Only the physician/dentist/other authorized prescriber or his/her staff may write on the Medication Order form. This form must be signed by the physician/dentist/other authorized prescriber.

4) A list of all medications that the student is currently receiving at home and school, if that listing is not a violation of confidentiality or contrary to the request of the parent/legal guardian or student.

5) A list of names and telephone numbers of persons to be notified in case of medication emergency in addition to the parent/legal guardian and licensed physician/dentist/other authorized prescriber.

6) Arrangements for the safe delivery of the medication to and from school in the properly labeled container as dispensed by the pharmacist; the medication must be delivered by a responsible adult. The parent/ legal guardian will need to get two (2) containers for each prescription from the pharmacist in order that the parent/legal guardian, as well as the school, will have a properly labeled container. If the medication is not properly labeled and does not match the physician's order exactly, it will not be given.

B. All aerosol medications shall be delivered to the school in pre-measured dosage.

C. Provide no more than a thirty-five (35) school day supply of medication in a properly labeled container to be kept at school.

D. The initial dose of a medication shall be administered by the student's parent/legal guardian outside the school jurisdiction with sufficient time for observation for adverse reactions.

E. The parent/legal guardian shall work with those personnel designated to administer medication as follows:

1) Cooperate in counting the medication with the designated school personnel who receives it and sign the Drug Receipt form.

2) Cooperate with school staff to provide for safe, appropriate administration of medications to students, such as positioning, and suggestions for liquids or foods to be given with the medication.

3) Assist in the development of the emergency plan for each student.

4) Comply with written and verbal communication regarding school policies.

5) Grant permission for school nurse/physician/ dentist/other authorized prescriber consultation.

6) Remove or give permission to destroy unused, contaminated, discontinued, or out-of-date medications according to the school guidelines.

7. STUDENT SELF-MEDICATION

Only those medical conditions which require immediate access to medications to prevent a life threatening or potentially debilitating situation shall be considered for self administration of medication. Compliance with the school policy for a drug-free zone shall also be met if possible.

Asthma or the Use of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine

Self-administration of medications by a student with asthma or the use of auto-injectable epinephrine by a student at risk of anaphylaxis shall be permitted by the School Board, provided the student’s parent or other legal guardian provides the school in which the student is enrolled with the following documentation:

A. Written authorization for the student to carry and self-administer such prescribed medications.

B. Written certification from a licensed medical physician or other authorized prescriber that the student:

1) has asthma or is at risk of having anaphylaxis

2) has received instruction in the proper method of self-administration of the student’s prescribed medications to treat asthma or anaphylaxis

C. A written treatment plan from the student’s licensed physician or authorized prescriber for managing asthma or anaphylactic episodes. The treatment plan shall be signed by the student, the student’s parent or other legal guardian, and the student’s physician or other authorized prescriber. The treatment plan shall contain the following information:

1) The name, purpose, and prescribed dosage of the medications to be self-administered.

2) The time or times the medications are to be regularly administered and under what additional special circumstances the medications are to be administered.

3) The length of time for which the medications are prescribed.

D. Any other documentation required by the School Board.

The required documentation shall be maintained in the office of the school nurse or other designated school official.

The School Board shall inform the parent or other legal guardian of the student in writing that the school and its employees shall incur no liability as a result of any injury sustained by the student from the self-administration of medications used to treat asthma or anaphylaxis. The parent or other legal guardian of the student shall sign a statement acknowledging that the school shall incur no liability and that the parent or other legal guardian shall indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees against any claims that may arise relating to the self-administration of medications used to treat asthma or anaphylaxis.

A student who has been granted permission to self-administer medication by the School Board shall be allowed to carry and store with the school nurse or other designated school official an inhaler or auto-injectable epinephrine, or both, at all times.

Permission for the self-administration of asthma medications or use of auto-injectable epinephrine by a student shall be effective only for the school year in which permission is granted. Permission for self-administration of asthma medications or the use of auto-injectable epinephrine by a student shall be granted by the School Board each subsequent school year, provided all of the requirements of this part of the policy are fulfilled.

Upon obtaining permission to self-administer asthma medication or to use auto-injectable epinephrine, a student shall be permitted to possess and self-administer such prescribed medication at any time while on school property or while attending a school sponsored activity. A student who uses any medication permitted by this policy in a manner other than as prescribed shall be subject to disciplinary action; however, such disciplinary action shall not limit or restrict such student’s immediate access to such prescribed medication.

Auto-injectable epinephrine means a medical device for the immediate self-administration of epinephrine by a person at risk for anaphylaxis.

Inhaler means a medical device that delivers a metered dose of medication to alleviate the symptoms of asthma.

Other Permitted Medications

Self administration of other medications by a student may be permitted by the School Board, provided that:

A. Medication Order from the physician or authorized prescriber and from the student's parent or guardian shall be on file and communication with the prescriber has been established.

B. The school nurse has evaluated the situation and deemed it to be safe and appropriate, and has developed a medical administration plan for general supervision. The administration plan may include observation of the procedure, student health counseling and health instruction regarding the principles of self-care.

C. The principal and appropriate staff are informed that the student is self-administering the prescribed medication.

D. The medication is handled in a safe, appropriate manner.

E. The school principal and the school employed registered nurse determine a safe place for storing the medication.

The medication must be accessible if the student's health needs require it; this information is included in the medication administration plan.

F. Some medication should have a backup supply readily available.

G. The student records the medication administration and reports unusual circumstances (as a general rule the student must record all dates and times he/she is self-medicating during school hours. The medication log shall be kept in the main office where the student shall record this information unless otherwise noted on the student's Individual Administration Plan).

H. The school employed registered nurse, and/or the designated employee monitors the student.

8. Acceptable School Medications

School medication orders shall be limited to medication which cannot be administered before or after school hours. Parents may come to school and administer medication to their children at any time during the school day.

Medications which may be considered as acceptable under this policy:

A. Medication to modify behavior (e.g., Ritalin, when the sustained action form of this medication is not effective.)

B. Severe allergic reactions ‑ must have specific written instructions from a physician.

C. Anticonvulsive medication.

D. Medication for asthma.

E. Medication given in extenuating circumstances.

F. Non-prescription (over-the-counter) drugs will only be given if medical certification of extenuating circumstances and prescription is obtained.

G. Antibiotics and other short‑term medications will not be given at school, unless so ordered by a physician, dentist, or authorized prescriber.

H. The school nurse or trained school employee shall have the authority to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, as defined elsewhere in this policy, to a student who the school nurse or trained school employee believes is having an anaphylactic reaction, whether or not the student has a prescription for epinephrine. At least one employee at each school shall receive training from a registered nurse or licensed medical physician in the administration of epinephrine.

I. Other specific illnesses that require medication.

9. DIABETES

Each student with diabetes who seeks care for his/her diabetes while at school or while participating in a school-related activity shall submit a diabetes management and treatment plan on an annual basis. Such plan shall be developed by a physician licensed in Louisiana or adjacent state, or other authorized health care prescriber licensed in Louisiana who is selected by the parent or legal guardian to be responsible for such student’s diabetes treatment. School-related activities include, but are not limited to, extracurricular activities and sports.

A student’s diabetes management and treatment plan shall be kept on file in the school in which the student is enrolled and shall contain:

A. An evaluation of the student’s level of understanding of his/her condition and his/her ability to manage his/her diabetes.

B. The diabetes-related healthcare services the student may receive or self-administer at school or during a school-related activity.

C. A timetable, including dosage instructions, of any diabetes medications to be administered to the student or self-administered by the student.

D. The signature of the student (if age appropriate), the student’s parent or legal guardian, and the physician or other authorized health care prescriber responsible for the student’s diabetes treatment.

The parent or legal guardian of a student with diabetes shall annually submit a copy of the student’s diabetes management and treatment plan to the principal or appropriately designated school personnel of the school where the student is enrolled. The plan shall be reviewed by appropriate school personnel either prior to or within five (5) days after the beginning of each school year, or upon enrollment if the student enrolls after the beginning of the school year or as soon as practicable following the student being diagnosed with diabetes, or as warranted by changes in the student’s medical condition.

Upon receipt of the student’s diabetes management and treatment plan, the school nurse shall conduct a nursing assessment of the student’s condition and develop an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP). The school nurse shall be given not less than five (5) school days to develop the IHP and shall implement the IHP within ten (10) school days of receipt of the diabetes treatment plan. The school nurse must assess the stability of the student’s diabetes both at home and in the school setting prior to the development of the IHP for care in the school setting.

The parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for all care related to the student’s diabetes management and treatment plan until the IHP is developed, the parents or legal guardian have agreed to and signed the IHP, and the diabetes management and treatment plan is put into place by the school nurse.

The School Board may utilize an unlicensed diabetes care assistant to provide appropriate care to a diabetic student, or assist a student with self-care of his/her diabetes, in accordance with the student’s diabetes management and treatment plan, the student’s IHP, and regulations contained in Health and Safety, Bulletin 135. An unlicensed diabetes care assistant is defined as a school employee who is not a healthcare professional, who is willing to complete training requirements established by BESE, and is determined competent by the school nurse to provide care and treatment to students with diabetes.

In accordance with the student’s diabetes management and treatment plan, the student shall be permitted to self-manage his/her diabetes care as outlined in the student’s management and treatment plan.

With written permission of a student’s parent or legal guardian, a school may provide a school employee with responsibility for providing transportation for a student with diabetes, or supervising a student with diabetes with an off-campus activity. An information sheet with pertinent information about the student’s condition and contact information in cases of emergency shall be provided the employee.

10. ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION ON FIELD TRIPS AND OTHER EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

If a student with an identified medical need is to attend a field trip or other school-sponsored activity, the parents shall be notified to ascertain if any medication must be administered on the field trip or school-sponsored activity away from school. If so, the parent/legal guardian shall accompany the student to the activity to administer any medication.

If the parent/legal guardian cannot attend the field trip/activity with his/her child, the parent/legal guardian shall request in writing that the medication be administered on a pending field trip/activity by a non-School Board employee designated by the parent, or another trained person designated by the School Board. Such request shall include supporting documentation as outlined in this policy. The request shall state that the parent/legal guardian gives permission for the designee or another trained person to administer the medication. If the parent does not designate a non-School Board employee to attend the field trip/activity, once the proper documentation has been submitted, the School Board shall assign a trained Board employee to accompany the student on the field trip or other school-sponsored activity.

11. EXTENDED DAY CARE

In the event that a student attends extended day care and requires medication outside school hours (before or after school), medication orders that include the dosage(s), time(s), and medication(s), shall be obtained from the physician/dentist/other authorized prescriber before any administration of medication may be administered by properly trained personnel.

12. STUDENT CONFIDENTIALITY

All student information shall be kept confidential. The parent/legal guardian shall be required to sign the Authorization for Release of Confidential Information form, so that health information can be shared between the School Board and health care providers, such as hospitals, physician, service agency, school nurse, and/or other health provider.

Revised: October, 1993

Revised: March, 1995

Revised: December, 1995

Revised: October, 2001

Revised: June, 2008

Revised: September, 2009

Revised: December, 2012

Revised: May, 2013

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:436.1, 17:436.3; Health and Safety, Bulletin 135, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 1-10-95, 7-10-08, 10-6-09, 1-15-13.

On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to open discussion on accepting bid to purchase activity buses for LHS and RHS. After discussion and recommendation from James Williams, on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to table the bid to purchase activity buses until further notice.

On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Gerald Cooley, the Board voted to accept the low bid from Insight for $51,000 for bleachers at Evans High School.

Vernon Travis reported that the Salary/Personnel Committee had met and discussed personnel changes and potential budget adjustments to offset future deficits. No action was taken.

On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.

On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Mel Harris, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.

In other business, Superintendent Self stated that sales tax collections were up 3% this year and that checks would be mailed on June 20^th.

Superintendent Self also reminded Board members of the Transportation Committee meeting on July 11, 2013 at 8:30AM.

Tom Neubert discussed changes to the discipline section of the parish handbook. Mr. Neubert discussed a revison to our policy on all telecommunication devices.

(Policy) Any electronic device such as E-Reader, kindle, Ipad, laptop, cell phone, etc. not used for instructional purposes permitted by the teacher or administrator within the instructional setting to include classrooms, libraries, labs or designated areas set by school administration, is a violation of VPSB Policy and would result in one of the following consequences:

1^st Offense-Device is taken and parent allowed to pick up

2^nd Offense-Device is taken, parent allowed to pick up and detention or similar punishment is assigned

3^rd Offense-Device is taken, parents may pick up and one day suspension is assigned

Any subsequent offense would be treated the same as the 3^rd offense. On motion of Doug Brandon, seconded by Steve Woods, the Board voted to approve the revision to this policy.

Mr. Neubert also discussed the following revision regarding the number of days of suspension for the following offenses: These changes were approved by the school principals to reduce the number of days students were out of school due to suspension.

a) Fighting – grade 3-6 – 3^rd offense – 3 days suspension instead of 5

b) Fighting – grades 7-12 each offense 3-7 days suspension instead of 5-9

c) Stealing, immoral or vicious practices, vandalism, possession of alcohol -grades 7-12 – 1^st offense 3, 5, or 7 days suspension instead of 5, 7, or 9 days suspension

Mr. Travis inquired as to why the number of days was different between grade levels and whose decision is was to decide between to 3, 5, or 7 days suspension. Mr. Neubert stated that is was at the Principal’s discretion and the severity and nature of the violation. Dr. Brandon asked if there was an appeal process for the parents if they were in disagreement with the decision. Mr. Neubert stated there was an appeal process and that he would be the next person to contact in that situation. Mr. Blankenbaker also commented on the fighting offense regarding self-defense and suspension. Mr. Neubert stated that suspension was not always the case in self defense and that decision was also at the Principal’s discretion. Mr. Travis stated that in all the self-defense situations he was aware of both parties were suspended. Mr. Travis stated that he was concerned that this change was not fair to all students due to not having a set number of days for suspension in grades 7-12.

On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Doug Brandon, the Board voted to approve the revision to this policy. Mr. Travis called for a Roll Call Vote on the revisions– results are as follows:

YEAS: Brandon, Gleason, Harris, Pynes, Woods, Martin, Perkins, Cooley

NAYS: Travis, Blankenbaker

ABSENT: Jeane, Schwartz

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

R E S O L U T I O N

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

WHEREAS, Mr. Cook was the son of John Cook, retired teacher, and the brother of Lane Cook, teacher at Pickering High School; and

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

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

On motion of 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 wish to express their sympathy to the family of Mary Bass who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Bass was a retired cook at Leesville High School; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Bass 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 John Blankenbaker for Richard Schwartz, 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 Darrel Joshlin who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Joshlin was the father of Ulita Watson, Principal at Evans High School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Joshlin was a resident of Newton, Texas 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.

On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N

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

WHEREAS, Mrs. Flowers was the sister of Phyllis Monroe, Cafeteria Manager at Simpson and the aunt of Ramona Bennett, Principal at East Leesville Elementary School; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Flowers was a lifetime resident of Simpson 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 Michael 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 James Lester Snell who recently passed away; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Snell was the husband of Dorothy Snell, former custodian at Pitkin High School; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Snell was a resident of Pitkin 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, on motion of Michael Perkins, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.

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RANDI GLEASON, PRESIDENT

ATTEST:

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JACKIE D. SELF, SUPERINTENDENT