November 10, 2015
DRAFT
THE VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CONVENED IN REGULAR SESSION AT 10:00 A.M., 201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LOUISIANA. PRESIDENT BRANDON CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
DOUG BRANDON, PRESIDENT
DAVID DETZ, VICE-PRESIDENT
MICHAEL PERKINS
VERNON L. TRAVIS JR.
JIM SEAMAN
ROBERT PYNES JR.
ANGIE DAVIS
JOHN BLANKENBAKER
RANDY MARTIN
STEVE WOODS
MICHAEL PERKINS
GERALD COOLEY
COL. DAVID G. ATHEY
ABSENT: NONE
There was also present Mr. James Williams, Secretary of the Board.
The meeting was opened in prayer by Gerald Cooley.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Gerald Cooley.
On motion of Michael Perkins, seconded by Vernon Travis, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the November 5, 2015 regular meeting and dispense with the reading of the minutes.
On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve promotional contract for principal at South Polk Elementary School.
On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by Randy Martin, the Board voted to advertise for principal at South Polk Elementary School.
On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Michael Perkins, the Board voted to conduct all regularly scheduled Board meetings at 10:00AM.
On motion of Jim Seaman, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to approve the following Board meeting dates for 2016.
VERNON PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
201 BELVIEW ROAD, LEESVILLE, LA
MEETING DATES - 2016
JANUARY 7 10:00 A.M.
JANUARY 12 10:00 A.M.
FEBRUARY 4 10:00 A.M.
FEBRUARY 9 10:00 A.M.
MARCH 3 10:00 A.M.
MARCH 8 10 :00 A.M.
APRIL 7 10:00 A.M.
APRIL 12 10:00 A.M.
MAY 5 10:00 A.M.
MAY 10 10:00 A.M.
JUNE 2 10:00 A.M.
JUNE 7 10:00 A.M.
JULY 7 10:00 A.M.
JULY 12 10:00 A.M.
AUGUST 4 10:00 A.M.
AUGUST 9 10:00 A.M.
SEPTEMBER 1 10:00 A.M.
SEPTEMBER 6 10 :00 A.M.
OCTOBER 6 10:00 A.M.
OCTOBER 11 10:00 A.M.
NOVEMBER 3 10:00 A.M.
NOVEMBER 8 10:00 A.M.
DECEMBER 1 10:00 A.M.
DECEMBER 6 10:00 A.M.
On motion of Angie Davis, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve the promotional contract for assistant principal at Anacoco High School.
On motion of Steve Woods, seconded by John Blankenbaker, the Board voted to accept the following retirement:
Pinegar, Richarde, teacher/SPE
On motion of Gerald Cooley, seconded by Randi Gleason, the Board voted to approve the following VPSB new/revised policies:
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.
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 School 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.
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.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
A student enrolled in grades prekindergarten through five shall not be suspended from school or suspended from riding on any school bus for a uniform violation that is not tied to willful disregard of school policies.
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: July, 2013
Revised: August, 1999 Revised: October, 2015
Revised: August, 2003 Revised: November, 2015
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, 7-11-13, 10-6-15.
STUDENT IDENTIFICATION
A state identification number shall be assigned each student upon enrollment, in accordance with Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION
At the beginning of each school year, students shall be required to complete emergency information forms which shall contain such information as:
1. Parent/guardian’s work phone numbers
2. Home phone numbers
3. Phone numbers where parents/guardians can be reached in case of emergencies
4. The name, address, and phone number of the student’s physician
5. The names of authorized persons to check-out and/or pick up students in the absence of the parent/guardian.
6. Other information as may be requested on the form
In addition, standardized school health forms shall be completed by the parents/legal guardian for each student. These health/medical forms provide pertinent health, medical and emergency contact information in times of need.
IDENTIFICATION BADGES
Students shall be issued identification badges which shall be worn by the student and shall be visible at all times when the student is on school campus.
New policy: September, 2015
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:3914; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.
PERSONNEL RECORDS
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require the maintenance of a uniform system of personnel records for all employees. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent or designee to keep the records updated and complete in accordance with statutory provisions.
A personnel file shall be accurately maintained in the central administrative office for each present and former employee. These files shall contain applications for employment, references, and records relative to compensation, payroll deductions, evaluations, and such other matters as may be considered pertinent to the proper maintenance of all personnel records. It is the duty of the employee to furnish the personnel office with certificates, transcripts, statements of degrees, and other educational experience related documentation.
The Superintendent shall be designated as custodian of all personnel files and shall have the overall responsibility for maintaining and preserving the confidentiality of the files. The Superintendent may, however, designate another official to perform the duties of records management on the understanding that this official is to be held responsible for granting or denying access to records on the basis of these guidelines.
GENERAL ACCESS TO AN EMPLOYEE'S PERSONNEL FILE
Any school employee requesting to see his/her personnel file shall be given access to his/her entire personnel file, including but not limited to all documents placed in the employee’s file on or before September 1, 1987. The contents of a school employee's personnel file shall not be divulged to third parties without the express written consent of the school employee, except when ordered by a court or by subpoena, or in accordance with this policy. No school system employee other than the personnel file custodian or the Superintendent for the system, or the designee of either, who shall be a school system employee, shall be allowed access to a school employee's personnel file without the school employee's expressed written consent, unless that employee is charged with the duty of supervising that particular school employee's performance. A School Board member or any other person authorized pursuant to this policy shall be permitted to examine any and all records of the school system, except school employee records relative to evaluations, observations, formal complaints, and grievances. However, in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81, the School Board, upon a majority vote of the total School Board membership, shall have the right to examine any and all records of the school system, including personnel records.
In case a personnel file should be accessed by the School Board or anyone else, the employee whose file was so accessed shall receive written notice of the fact and the name and title of the person who was permitted access. All persons permitted access shall maintain the confidentiality of those documents in the file that are not matters of public record.
If an employee wishes to review and/or obtain a copy of his/her personnel file, the employee must make a written request to the Superintendent or his/her designee not less than forty-eight (48) hours before the date the file will be reviewed.
REQUESTS FOR ACCESS AND INSPECTION
Additions to Personnel File
No complaint, commendation, suggestion, or evaluation may be placed in the evaluation file unless it meets the following requirements:
1. Each document concerning a school employee shall be placed in the employee's personnel file within a reasonable time and no document, except those resulting from routine recordkeeping, shall be placed in a school employee's personnel file by any school system employee, unless and until that school employee is presented with the original document and a copy thereof prior to its filing.
2. Upon receipt of the original document and copy of the same, the school employee shall sign the original document as an acknowledgement of the receipt of the copy of the document. Such signature shall not be construed as an agreement to the contents of the document.
Rebuttal and Response
Each school employee shall be given the opportunity to rebut and to respond to a document placed in his/her personnel file including but not limited to any document placed in such file on or before September 1, 1987.
1. The rebuttal and response must be in written form and once filed shall be attached to the document to which the response and rebuttal applies, and thus become a permanent part of the school employee's personnel file as long as the document remains a part of the personnel file.
2. No document or copy thereof, to which a response and rebuttal has been filed, shall be used for any purpose whatsoever unless the rebuttal and response or copy thereof is attached to the document or copy sought to be used.
3. A school employee shall have the right to receive proof of any allegations and statements contained in a document placed in his/her file that the school employee believes to be inaccurate, invalid, or misrepresented. If such proof is not presented, the document containing the allegations and statement shall be removed from the school employee's personnel file and destroyed.
If, at any time, the Superintendent takes any personnel action against an employee based upon any document that was placed in the employee’s file on or before September 1, 1987, the employee shall be given the opportunity to rebut and respond to such document.
Procedure for Filing of Rebuttal and Response
1. Any rebuttal and response to a document placed in a school employee's personnel file shall be filed by the employee within fifteen (15) school days from the date on which the school employee signs the document acknowledging its receipt.
2. The school employee may be granted an additional ten (10) school days for the filing of the rebuttal and response, provided the school employee requests such an extension in writing addressed to the personnel file custodian within the original fifteen-day period. The personnel file custodian's consent to the ten-day extension of time shall not be unreasonably withheld.
3. The rebuttal and response shall be deemed filed by the delivery of the original and one copy of the rebuttal and response to the personnel file custodian. The personnel file custodian shall then sign and date the original rebuttal and response and file the same into the school employee's personnel file. The personnel file custodian shall also sign and date a copy of the rebuttal and response and return the same to the school employee.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
Certain items in the personnel records of School Board employees shall be confidential, including:
1. The home telephone number of the employee where such employee has chosen to have a private or unlisted home telephone number because of the nature of his/her occupation with such body.
2. The home telephone number of the employee where such employee has requested that the number be confidential.
3. The home address of the employee where such employee has requested that the address be confidential, except it shall be made available to recognized educational groups.
4. The social security number and financial institution direct deposit information as contained in the personnel records of an employee of the School Board. However, when the employee's social security number or financial institution direct deposit information is required to be disclosed pursuant to any other provision of law, including such purposes as child support enforcement, health insurance, retirement reporting, or to officials or employees of the school, School Board, Louisiana Department of Education, or Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), in the performance of duties or responsibilities of the official or employee, the social security number or financial institution direct deposit information of the employee shall be disclosed pursuant to such provision of law.
5. The name and account number of any financial institution to which the public employee’s wages or salary is directly deposited by an electronic direct deposit payroll system or other direct deposit system.
The above information shall not be divulged to third parties.
HEALTH AND MEDICAL RECORDS
An employee’s health and medical records are deemed confidential and shall be maintained in a separate file apart from the employee’s general personnel file. Such records will include:
1. Medical/health records, claim forms, life insurance application, requests for payment of benefits and all other health records of an employee and his/her dependents enrolled in the Vernon Parish School Board adopted insurance plan.
2. All medical records of an employee, all records of payment of compensation to an employee or his/her dependent and other records which would ascertain the identity of the injured employee or his/her dependent in a Worker's Compensation action.
3. Medical information obtained as a result of an employee’s request for a reasonable work accommodation due to a disability.
There may be instances where an employee’s medical information will need to be made available to certain supervisory personnel, such as where a request for a reasonable accommodation has been granted, to inform a supervisor of necessary work duties or restrictions due to an on-the-job injury, emergency treatment required by the employee, or if specific procedures are needed to aid the employee in case of fire or other evacuations. Supervisors, however, shall not have unlimited access to an employee’s medical file or to information about an employee’s medical condition which is unnecessary to the performance of the employee’s job.
Medical information may also be made available to third parties as required by law or business necessity. For example, the School Board may be required to release such information to government officials investigating the School Board’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to state worker’s compensation offices in accordance with Louisiana worker’s compensation laws, or to insurance companies where the insurer requires a medical examination before providing health or life insurance to employees.
RELEASE OF PERSONNEL RECORDS PERMITTED
There are conditions under which personnel records of employees may be released. These conditions are:
1. Personnel records may be released to persons other than the affected employee with the written consent of the employee or as required by law or the courts.
2. Information relating to dependents and beneficiaries of deceased employees. Requests for such information may be required to be in writing.
3. In all cases, an employee shall have unlimited access to any and all information contained in or pertaining to his/her own health record.
DEFINITIONS
Document means any written or otherwise tangible material intended to be or actually used as a part of or any evidence of the work history of any employee including but not limited to any and all reports, comments, reprimands, correspondence, memoranda, evaluations, observations, and grievances relative to a particular employee.
Personnel file means those file(s) which contain the cumulative collection of any and all documents maintained by the school system with respect to each individual employee.
Personnel file custodians(file custodians) means those persons employed by the school system charged with the duty of maintaining and preserving the personnel files.
Third party means any person or entity not regularly employed, or employed under a contract by the school system in which the employee is employed.
Revised: October, 2001
Revised: November, 2003
Revised: November, 2006
Revised: September, 2015
Ref: 5 USCA '552 (Privacy Act of 1974); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:440, 17:1231, 17:1232, 17:1233, 17:1234, 17:1235, 17:1236, 17:1237, 17:1238, 23:1127, 23:1131, 23:1293, 44:1, 44:2, 44.4, 44:11, 44:12; Board minutes, 12-4-03, 2-1-07.
EMPLOYEE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The Vernon Parish School Board recognizes the importance of protecting the health and welfare of students, teachers, and other employees of the educational system from the spread of communicable diseases.
A communicable disease shall be defined as a persistent or recurring infection which may be potentially transmitted to a susceptible person by contact with an infected individual.
When reliable evidence or information from a public health officer or physician confirms an employee of the School Board has a communicable disease or infection that is known to be spread by any form of casual contact and is considered a health threat to the school population or work environment, the Superintendent may exclude such person from school or employment for not more than five (5) days, or the amount of time required by state or local public health officials. Such staff member shall be excluded unless the public health officer approves return to employment or the condition is no longer contagious.
When reliable evidence or information from a public health officer or physician confirms a staff member has a communicable disease or infection that is known not to be spread by casual contact, the decision as to whether or not the affected person shall remain in school or the employment workplace shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis by a Review Panel to ensure due process.
Infected employees shall inform appropriate school officials of the infection so that proper precautions for the protection of the students, other employees, and the infected employee can be taken. Failure to do so may be grounds for termination of employment.
Irrespective of the disease presence, routine procedures shall be used and adequate sanitation facilities shall be available for handling blood or body fluids within the school setting or on school buses. School personnel shall be trained in the proper procedures for handling blood and body fluids and these procedures shall be strictly adhered to by all school personnel (see policy GAMFB, Guidelines for Handling Body Fluids in Schools).
REVIEW PANEL
Communicable diseases that are known not to be spread by casual contact shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis by a Review Panel. Membership of the Review Panel, procedures for convening the Review Panel, and the process used to review the case shall be as outlined in Health and Safety, Bulletin 135, Louisiana Department of Education.
The Superintendent shall provide a written decision to the affected party within three (3) operational days (i.e. a day when the School Board Central Office is open for business) after the Review Panel convenes. The written decision shall convey information brought out during the review process and include the rationale for the decision concerning attendance at work by the employee.
APPEALS
Appeals may be made by the affected employee in writing to the Superintendent and subsequently to the School Board as outlined in Health and Safety, Bulletin 135, Louisiana Department of Education. If the written decision of the Superintendent is contrary to the majority opinion of the Review Panel, a majority of the Review Panel has the right to appeal the decision in the same manner as outlined in Bulletin 135.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All persons involved in procedures to assess attendance at work of an employee with a communicable disease that is not spread by casual contact shall be required to treat all medical information about the employee, proceedings, deliberations, and documents as confidential information. Records of the proceedings and the decisions shall be kept by the Superintendent in a sealed envelope with access limited to only those persons receiving the consent of the infected person, in accordance with state or federal law.
Before any medical information is shared with anyone in the school or work setting, a “Need to Know” review shall be made which includes the employee or his/her representative, unless the information is required to meet the mandates of federal or state law or regulation, or Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) policy.
New policy: September, 2015
Ref: 20 USC 1400-1485,(Education of Individuals with Disabilities); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:170, 17:437, 17:1941;Health and Safety,Bulletin 135, Louisiana Department of Education.
GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING BODY FLUIDS IN SCHOOL
The Vernon Parish School Board shall require all personnel to follow specific guidelines in the handling of body fluids in the school setting. While the risk of infection may be low, contact with body fluids shall be minimized. Employees who fail to use the precautions outlined in the guidelines for handling body fluids may be subject to disciplinary action.
The body fluids of all persons should be considered to contain potentially infectious agents (germs). The term "body fluids" includes: blood, semen, drainage from scrapes and cuts, feces, urine, vomitus, respiratory secretions (e.g., nasal discharge) and saliva. Contact with body fluids presents a risk of infection with a variety of germs. In general, however, the risk is very low and dependent on a variety of factors including the type of fluid with which contact is made and the type of contact made with it.
The following table provides examples of particular germs that may occur in body fluids of children and the respective transmission concerns. The body fluids with which one may come in contact usually contain many organisms, some of which may cause disease. Furthermore, many germs may be carried by individuals who have no symptoms of illness. These individuals may be at various stages of infection: incubating disease, mildly infected without symptoms, or chronic carriers of certain infectious agents including the AIDS and hepatitis viruses. In fact, transmission of communicable diseases is more likely to occur from contact with infected body fluids of unrecognized carriers than from contact with fluids from recognized individuals because precautions are not always carried out.
TRANSMISSION CONCERNS IN THE SCHOOL SETTING
BODY FLUID SOURCE OF INFECTIOUS AGENTS
Body Fluid Source Organism Of Concern Transmission Concern
Blood Hepatitis B virus Bloodstream inoculation
-cuts/abrasions AIDS virus through cuts and
-nosebleeds Cytomegalo virus abrasions on hands
*Feces Salmonella bacteria Oral inoculation from
-incontinence Shigella bacteria contaminated hands
Rotavirus
Hepatitis A virus
*Urine Cytomegalovirus Bloodstream and oral
-incontinence inoculation from
contaminated hands
Body Fluid Source Organism Of Concern Transmission Concern
Respiratory Mononucleosis Oral inoculation from
Secretions Common cold virus contaminated hands
-saliva Influenza virus
-nasal discharge Hepatitis B virus Bloodstream
inoculation through
cuts and abrasions on
hands; bites
*Vomitus Gastrointestinal Oral inoculation from
viruses, e.g., contaminated hands
(Norwalk agent
Rotavirus)
Semen Hepatitis B Sexual contact
AIDS virus (intercourse)
Gonorrhea
* Possible transmission of AIDS and Hepatitis B is of little concern from these sources. There is no evidence at this time to suggest that the AIDS virus is present in these fluids.
A. Contact With Body Fluids
When possible, direct skin contact with body fluids should be avoided. Disposable gloves should at least be available in the office of the custodians, nurses, or principal. It is recommended that gloves be available in every classroom, and convenient to teachers on playground duty. Gloves are recommended when direct hand contact with body fluids is anticipated (e.g., treating bloody noses, handling clothes soiled by incontinence, cleaning small spills by hand). Gloves used for this purpose should be put in a plastic bag, and sprayed with a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, mixed fresh, and disposed in a lined trash can, secured, and disposed of daily.
B. Direct Skin Contact
In many instances, unanticipated skin contact with body fluids may occur in situations where gloves may be immediately unavailable (e.g., when wiping a runny nose, applying pressure to a bleeding injury outside the classroom, helping a child in the bathroom). In these instances, hands and other affected skin areas of all exposed persons should be routinely washed with disinfectant soap and water for a full three (3) minutes after direct contact has ceased. Clothing and other non-disposable items (e.g., towels used to wipe up body fluid) that are soaked through with body fluids should be rinsed and placed in plastic bags. If presoaking is required to remove stains, (e.g., blood, feces), use gloves to rinse or soak the item in cold water prior to bagging. Clothing should be sent home for washing with appropriate directions to parents/teachers. Contaminated disposable items (e.g., tissues, paper towels, diapers), should be handled as with disposable gloves.
C. Removing Spilled Body Fluids From The Environment
Most schools have standard procedures already in place for removing body fluids (e.g., vomitus). These procedures should be reviewed to determine whether appropriate cleaning and disinfection steps have been included. Many schools stock sanitary, absorbent agents specifically intended for cleaning body fluid spills. Disposable gloves should be worn when using these agents. The dry material is applied to the area, left for a few minutes to absorb the fluid, and then vacuumed or swept up. The vacuum bag or sweepings should be disposed of in a plastic bag. Broom and dustpan should be rinsed in a disinfectant. No special handling is required for vacuuming equipment.
D. Handwashing Procedures
Proper handwashing requires the use of soap and water and vigorous washing under a stream of running water for approximately one minute.
Soap suspends easily removable soil and microorganisms allowing them to be washed off. Running water is necessary to carry away dirt and debris. Rinse under running water. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry hands.
Should an ungloved person have any contact with bodily fluids, the person having contact should wash his/her hands for a full three (3) minutes using disinfectant soap and water.
E. Disinfectants
An intermediate level disinfectant should be used to clean surfaces contaminated with body fluids. Such disinfectants will kill vegetative bacteria, fungi, tuberculosis bacillus and viruses. The disinfectant should be registered by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as a disinfectant in medical facilities and hospitals.
Various classes of disinfectants are listed below. Hypochlorite solution (bleach) is preferred for objects that may be put in the mouth.
1. Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol (70%)
2. Phenolic germicidal detergent in a 1 per cent aqueous solution (e.g., Lysol*)
3. Sodium Hypochlorite with at least 100 ppm available chlorine (2 cup household bleach in 1 gallon water, needs to be freshly prepared each time it is used)
4. Quaternary ammonium germicidal detergent in 2 per cent aqueous solution (e.g., Tri-quat*, Mytar* or Sage*)
5. Iodophor germicidal detergent with 500 ppm available iodine (e.g., Wescodyne*)
*Brand names used only for examples of each type of germicidal solution, and should not be considered an endorsement of a specific product.
F. Disinfection Of Hard Surfaces And Care Of Equipment
After removing the soil, a disinfectant is applied. Mops should be soaked in the disinfectant after use and rinsed thoroughly or washed in a hot water cycle before rinse. Disposable cleaning equipment and water should be placed in a toilet or plastic bag as appropriate. Non-disposable cleaning equipment (dust pans, buckets) should be thoroughly rinsed in the disinfectant. The disinfectant solution should be promptly disposed down a drain pipe. Remove gloves and discard in appropriate receptacles.
G. Disinfection Of Rugs
Apply sanitary absorbent agent, let dry and vacuum. If necessary, mechanically remove with dust pan and broom in disinfectant. If necessary, wash brush with soap and water. Dispose of nonreusable cleaning equipment as noted above.
H. Laundry Instructions For Clothing Soiled With Body Fluids
The most important factor in laundering clothing contaminated in the school setting is elimination of potentially infectious agents. Clothing soaked with body fluids should be washed separately from other items. Presoaking may be required for heavily soiled clothing. Otherwise, wash and dry as usual. If the material is bleachable, add 2 cup household bleach to the wash cycle. If the material is not colorfast, add 2 cup of non-hypochlorite solution to the wash cycle.
New policy: September, 2015
Ref: Information and Guidelines: Prevention of Disease Transmission in Schools, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), State of Connecticut, Department of Education and Department of Health Services, March 1985; Health and Safety, Bulletin 135, Louisiana Department of Education.
SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
The Vernon Parish School Board may offer parents of eligible children in schools identified in school improvement, opportunities for higher academic achievement through supplemental educational services (SES).
Supplemental educational services(SES) are additional academic instruction in reading, language arts/English, and/or mathematics that are designed to increase the academic achievement of students in schools in need of improvement. These services may include academic assistance such as tutoring, remediation and other educational interventions that are consistent with the content and instruction used by the Vernon Parish School Board, and which are aligned with the State of Louisiana’s academic content standards. In keeping with provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB), all supplemental educational services shall be provided outside of the regular school day, before or after school, on weekends, or in the summer, and shall be of high quality, research-based, and specifically designed to increase student academic achievement.
School Boards with schools rated as Academically Unacceptable may offer supplemental educational services as part of their school improvement efforts. If utilized, the School Board shall notify parents about SES and explain the process and the scope of services. If SES is to be utilized in a school rated F, the SES provider shall be selected by the School Board from a state-approved list of providers published by the Louisiana Department of Education.
Supplemental educational services shall be offered until the school in question is no longer identified for school improvement according to the requirements of NCLB.
New policy: June, 2008
Revised: September, 2015
Ref: 20 USC 6316 (No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Section 1116); Board minutes, 7-10-08.
Changes and/or revisions of the following policies were also approved:
Testing Program, Student Absences and Excuses
On motion of John Blankenbaker, seconded by Angie Davis, the Board voted to approve the following Headstart Policies/Procedures:
Approval of Community Representative
VPHS By-Laws
VPHS Birth Certificate Documentation Policy
VPHS Selection Criteria
VPHS Biting Policy
VPHS Applications
VPHS Loose Bowel Policy
VPHS Discipline Policy
VPHS Temporary Exclusion Policy
VPHS Confidentiality Policy
VPHS Organizational Chart
Randi Gleason reported that the Curriculum Committee had met and Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Page gave accountability updates. They discussed test score release protocol – scores released at different times. PARCC Score Reports for students will be sent home on Friday, November 13th.
Vernon Travis reported that the Finance Committee had met and Bryan Hollingsworth discussed Business Health Partners (Occupational Medicine Clinic). They specialize in pre-employment/annual physicals, drug and alcohol testing and injured worker treatment. Mr. Travis will schedule another meeting for more information.
On motion of Randy Martin, seconded by David Detz, the Board voted to approve budget amendments related to personnel changes.
On motion of Vernon Travis, seconded by Jim Seaman, the Board voted to authorize the president and secretary to pay the claims.
Superintendent Williams reminded Board members of the mandatory on-line ethics training. He also noted that School Performance Scores and District Performance Scores will be released in December.
On motion of Randi Gleason, seconded by the Board, the Board adopted the following memorial resolution:
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, the members of the Vernon Parish School Board wish to express their sympathy to the family of Donald Stephens who recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens was the father of Cara DeBray, secretary at the Sales Tax Office; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephens was a resident of Conyers, Georgia and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends; now
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Vernon Parish School Board requests a copy of this memorial resolution be sent to his family at this time of sadness.
There being no further business, and on motion of Randy Martin, seconded by the Board, the meeting was adjourned.
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DOUG BRANDON, PRESIDENT
ATTEST:
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JAMES WILLIAMS, SUPERINTENDENT