December 7, 2004
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular
session on Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at 6:30 p.m., in the School Board Meeting
Room, School Board Office,
MEMBERS PRESENT: Al Link, Leonard Genco, Robert Potts, Sandra Bailey-Simmons, Robert Caves and Carl Bardwell, Maxine Dixon, and Jimmy A. Richardson, I
MEMBERS ABSENT: Donnie Williams
President Al Link, Board, Board Member District D, gave the invocation. Blair LaBruzza, student Hammond Jr. High School led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Hammond Jr. High School Chorus sang a selection of songs.
It was moved by Mr. Caves seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the Board Minutes of November 9, 2004, as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
Mrs. Bailey-Simmons recognized the recipients of the Jake Bailey Above and Beyond Award Mrs. Janet Moran Teacher, Hammond Jr. High School and Mrs. Diane Vaccaro, Special Education Supervisor.
It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to renew Superintendent Josephs contract for a period of two (2) years. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
Superintendent Joseph indicated that Mrs. Sandra Bailey-Simmons had been selected to represent the School System at the Federal Networking Conference to be held in Washington, D.C.
Rev. Louis Husser spoke in Public Input regarding the Students Bill of Rights. He requested that additional information be made a part of the current policy.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to remand the Students Bill of Rights to the Policy Committee for further discussion. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to consider a resolution calling for a Tenure Hearing. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted with Mr. Williams absent.
A special called School Board Meeting for the Tenure Hearing will be held on January 20, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tangipahoa Parish School Board Office.
It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to approve the Loranger Board Delegation Report of November 10, 2004. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.
Mr. Gasaway and delegation members discussed renovation priorities for the Loranger High School Historic Auditorium. This item was referred back to Mr. Gasaway and Mr. Clark.
It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to waive the rules to discuss an item regarding Cafeteria Equipment for Loranger Middle School. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mr. Potts, to approve the purchase of Large Equipment for Loranger Middle School in the amount of $111,500.00. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to waive the rules to discuss an item from the Hammond Board Delegation. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Ms. Dixon, to approve the proposal to do site/drainage work at Woodland Park Early Center, by Dennis Glass Construction Company, Inc.
in the amount of $21,960.00, from Pay-As-You-Go Funds, and Capital Outlay requests from Pay-As-You-Go-Funds as indicated below:
Hammond Westside Upper 10 legal size filing cabinets with locks - $2,326.40
Hammond Jr. High- 150 student desks, 8 dry erase boards, 4 bulletin boards, and wall strips - $12,965.70
Hammond High 4 piano keyboards, 1 Tuba, curtains for the auditorium - $18,200.00
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mr. Potts, to approve the Finance Committee Report of November 9, 2004. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.
1.
Approved the
Accounts Payable Check Register dated 9/30/04 11/02/04.
2.
Accepted the staff
recommendation regarding the Errors and Omissions Insurance Policy, to accept
the bid of Emery James (National Union) in the amount of $63,954.00.
3. Approved
Bid #2004-34, Electronics Equipment for 2005 and Bid #2004-36, Classroom
Furniture Prices for 2005.
4. Granted
approval for Reading First Employees to exceed the $1,000.00 allocated for
Out-of-Parish Travel Employees are: Linda Baker, Sandra Johnson, Glenda
OBanion, Barbara Smith, Gail Gerike, Therese Domiano or Nancy Kropog, Gina
LaFauci-Keaton, Stephanie Evans, Eloise Richmond, Michelle Colwart, Paula
Bryant, Carolyn Roman, and Linda Braziel.
It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to waive the rules to discuss an item from the Finance Committee Meeting held prior to the Board Meeting. Hearing
no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Genco, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons to approve the Bid of Alack Refrigeration, Hammond, LA, for Bid #2004-40 SFS Large Equipment for Loranger Middle School in the amount of $111,500.00. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of December, 2004, and Addendum #1. Mrs. Bailey-Simmons requested that Item #1 (Transportation Reclassification) Addendum #1, be held out. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve Addendum #2 of the Personnel Committee Report. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to enter Executive Session to review the scores regarding Item #1 (Transportation Reclassification) Addendum #1 of the Personnel Committee Report. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
The Board entered Executive Session.
The Board returned to Open Session.
It was moved by Ms. Dixon, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve Item #1 (Transportation Reclassification) Addendum #1 of the Personnel Committee Report. An
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
electronic vote yielded the following results: Five (5) Yeas, Three (3) Nays; Yeas - Mr. Genco, Mr. Link, Mr. Richardson, Mr. Potts, Ms. Dixon, Nays - Mr. Caves, Mr. Bardwell, and Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, with Mr. Donnie Williams, absent. The motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.
1. TEACHER - NEW HIRE
Sharon Shaverd, Title 1 Kindergarten Teacher Woodland Park Early Learning Center, effective November 8, 2004, Substitute
2. SUPPORT
PERSONNEL - RECLASSIFICATION
Tonya Morgan, From: 4 ½ hour Child Specific Aide Midway, To: 7 hour Child Specific Aide- Midway, effective September 29, 2004
3. SUPPORT
PERSONNEL - TRANSFER
Beverly Avant, From: Child Specific Paraprofessional 7 hours Perrin Early Learning Center, To: Special Education Paraprofessional Independence Middle, effective November 16, 2004
4. SCHOOL
FOOD SERVICE - NEW HIRE
June Quave, Food Service Worker - 4 hour Ponchatoula High, effective November 1, 2004
Felicia Winder, Food Service Worker 4 hours Ponchatoula High, effective November 1, 2004
Wilfred Dokes, Food Service Worker 7 hours Hammond High, effective December 1, 2004
5. SCHOOL
FOOD SERVICE - RECLASSIFICATION
Linda Dyson, From: Billing Clerk 6-hours Chesbrough Elementary, To: 7 hours Billing Clerk Chesbrough Elementary, effective November 15, 2004
6. SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE - TRANSFER
George Landrew, From: Production Manager Kentwood High, To: Production Manager Westside Middle, effective November 29, 2004
7. ITEM FOR
DISCUSSION PAY FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL
8. *LEAVES*RESIGNATIONS*RETIREMENTS
SABBATICAL
LEAVES:
Elizabeth Jenkins, Teacher Champ Cooper, Medical 2nd Semester
Sheree Alford, Teacher Hammond Westside Upper P & I 2nd Semester
Jeri Bankson, Teacher Ponchatoula High, Medical 2nd Semester
Kristy Sherman, Teacher Tucker Elementary Medical 2nd Semester
Frances Habisreitinger, Teacher Tucker Elementary P & I 2nd Semester
Angela Corkern, Teacher Loranger Middle, P & I 2nd Semester
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
LEAVES:
Deborah Browning, Principal Loranger Elementary, (Medical Leave using sick days first due to surgery December 17, 2004), effective November 29, 2004
Gloria Richard, WIA (Straight Leave without pay November 19, 2004), effective November 8, 2004
Joyce Hawkins, WIA (Straight Leave without pay using sick days first due to illness undetermined), effective August 4, 2004
Gregory Vernon, WIA (Medical leave using sick days first due to surgery November 16, 2004), effective October 5, 2004
Mary Currier, Teacher Loranger Elementary (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to maternity January 10, 2005,) effective November 6, 2004
Cheri Morse, Teacher Loranger Elementary (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to illness August 2005), effective November 8, 2004
Margaret Habisreitinger, Teacher Tucker Elementary (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to illness January 18, 2004), effective September 27, 2004
Robin Brogan, Teacher Natalbany Elementary (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to maternity January 17, 2005), effective November 15, 2004
Jennifer Robertson, Teacher Roseland Elementary (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to maternity March 4, 2005), effective January 3, 2005
Vera Nichols, Bus Driver (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to surgery undetermined), effective October 25, 2004
RESIGNATIONS :
Thomas Nichols, Jr., Custodian Loranger Middle, effective December 31, 2004
Lisa Carr Robinson, Paraprofessional Independence Middle, effective October 26, 2004
Randy Null, Custodian Loranger High, effective November 9, 2004
9. SUBSTITUTE TEACHER LIST
1. Transportation Reclassification
Johnny Mark Camelo, From: Bus Driver 9 months To: Transportation Field Coordinator 12 months Central Office
Walter Daniels, III, From: Bus Driver 9 months To: Transportation Field Coordinator 12 months Central Office
2. Administrative - Reclassification
William Lambert, From: Assistant Principal Sumner High, To: Teacher 9 months Sumner High, effective January 14, 2005
James Varnado, Janitor 9 months 6 hours Chesbrough Elementary, effective November 1, 2004
Lucy Sticker, Child Specific Aide 7 hours Midway Elementary, effective November 1, 2004
3. Leaves, Resignations, Retirements
Leaves:
Judy DeMarco, Teacher Hammond Westside Primary (Extended Medical Leave due to surgery using sick days first January 2, 2005), effective November 29, 2004
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
ADDENDUM #2
1. Support Personnel New Hire
Julie Wagner, Office Assistant II Central Office, effective December 8, 2004
Denise Burches, Office Assistant I Central Office, effective December 9, 2004
2. Support Personnel - Transfer/Reclassification
Cindy Holton, From: School Secretary 10 months Loranger Elementary, To: Office Assistant II Central Office
3. Teacher New Hire
Stephanie Sanders, Title 1 Pre-K Loranger Elementary, effective December 1, 2004
4. School Food Service New Hire
Mary Sylve, Food Service Worker 4 hours Loranger Elementary, effective December 6, 2004
5. School Food Service Transfer/Reclassification
Jody Bordelon, From: Cashier 5 hours Hammond Eastside Primary, To: Food Production Manager 7 hours, effective December 13, 2004
6. Leaves, Retirement, Resignations
Leaves:
Kim Terrebone, Teacher Amite Elementary (Extended Sick Leave using sick days first due to maternity May 31, 2004), effective November 29, 2004
It was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the Policy Committee Report of November 9, 2004. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.
1. It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Genco to approve the revision of the items as listed below. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
Cf: DJD
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall provide an expense allowance
and provide for expense reimbursement for its members in accordance with state
law. Board members shall receive an expense allowance of $800 per month with an
additional $100 stipend for the Board President. Board members may also be
authorized to receive reimbursement for mileage going to and from meetings as
well as reimbursement for actual travel and related expenses outside the
jurisdictional boundaries of the Board while on official School Board business,
all in accordance with Board policy to the extent
that expenses incurred outside the Boards jurisdictional boundaries do not
exceed the limits established by state law.
Any action increasing the compensation for Board members shall require a two-thirds vote of the total membership. Before any action is taken, however, the Board shall advertise the time and place where the meeting is to be held to consider the expense allowance in the official journal of the Board on at least two (2) separate days during the fifteen (15) days immediately preceding such meeting.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
Board members shall be reimbursed up to $2,000 annually for travel expenses incurred in accordance with the Board's travel regulations. Any travel that would cause the limit to be exceeded shall require Board approval prior to the travel commencing.
Reimbursement for routine travel to regular meetings of the Board shall not be allowed.
Revised: March, 1985
Revised: November, 1993
Revised: February 18, 1997
Revised: May 13,1997
Revised: August, 2003
Revised: August, 2004
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§
17:56, 17:81; Board minutes, 2-26-85, 2-18-97, 5-13-97, 10-
7-03.
Tangipahoa Parish School
Board
FILE: DJED
BIDS AND
QUOTATIONS
PUBLIC
WORKS
As an evidence of good faith of the bidder, the Board shall require bidders for construction, The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall advertise and let by contract, except in cases of emergencies as provided below, all public work exceeding $100,000 or such sum as allowed by law, including labor, materials, equipment, and administrative overhead not to exceed fifteen percent (15%). The contract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the contract, plans, and specifications advertised. Public works which are estimated to cost less than the contract limit may be undertaken by the Board with its own employees.
As an evidence of good faith of the bidder, the Board
shall require bidders for construction, improvement, repair, or other work to
attach to the bid submitted, a bid bond, certified check, or cashier's check
for not more than five percent (5%) of the contract work to be done. The Board
may require a bid bond or certified or cashier's check of not more than five
percent (5%) of the estimated price on bids taken for supplies and materials.
When any bid is accepted for construction or doing any public works, a written contract shall be entered into by the successful bidder and the School Board, and the successful bidder shall furnish a performance and payment bond in the full amount of the contract for contracts of $50,000 or more, for the faithful performance of his or her duties, from a company licensed to do business in Louisiana.
Under no circumstances shall there be a division or
separation of any public work project into smaller projects, which division or
separation would have the effect of avoiding the requirement that public work
be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder in
accordance with statutory provisions.
All purchases of materials or supplies exceeding the sum of $20,000 to be paid out of public funds shall be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the specifications as advertised. In addition, purchases of materials or supplies of at least $10,000, but not more than $20,000, shall be made by obtaining not less than three (3) telephone or facsimile quotations. A written confirmation of the accepted offer shall be obtained and made a part of the purchase file. The Board may require a written contract or bond when
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
purchasing the materials or supplies. If quotations are received that are lower than the quote accepted, a notation shall be entered into the file as to the reasons for rejection of the lower quotes.
Purchases cannot be divided by departments or by a
school if the effect is to evade the state's public bid law. Purchases of
commodities that are bought in small but recurring amounts through the year
shall be bid on an annual basis.
EMERGENCIES
In cases of an emergency or extreme emergency when time is not sufficient to advertise for bids for public works or purchase of materials, the Board is permitted by law to declare that a public emergency or extreme public emergency exists and extend a contract for more than the sums mentioned without going out to bid; however, in such cases every effort shall be made by the administration to secure competitive quotations through negotiations. State law permits a person designated by the Board to declare the existence of an extreme public emergency. Notices of an emergency or extreme emergency shall be published in the Board's official journal within ten (10) days of the emergency being certified by the School Board or designee.
The School Board may make use of valid contracts put in place by the State of Louisiana Office of State Purchasing. The Board may also piggyback, or purchase materials and supplies on valid contracts of other political subdivisions.
BID
ADVERTISEMENTS
All advertisements for bids for public works shall
appear in the newspaper selected as the official journal for the School Board,
except in emergencies as may be declared by the Board. Any advertisement for
any contract for public works, when published, shall appear once a week for
three (3) different weeks in a newspaper in the locality and the first
advertisement shall appear at least twenty-five (25) days before the opening of
bids. Any advertisement for any contract or purchase of materials or supplies
shall be published two (2) times in a newspaper in the locality, the first
advertisement appearing at least fifteen (15) days prior to the opening of
bids.
In addition to newspaper advertisements, the School Board may also publish advertisements by electronic media available to the general public. In any advertisement, the first publication shall not occur on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
If the School Board issues or causes to be issued on a public work
exceeding the contract limit set by state law any addendum modifying plans
and specifications within a period of seven (7) days prior to the advertised
time for opening of bids, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and any other legal
holidays, the School Board shall transmit a copy of the addendum to all prime
bidders who have requested bid documents. By one of the following methods:
(1) facsimile transmission;(2) e-mail; or (3) hand delivery. The transmission
shall be completed within twenty-four (24) hours of the issuance of the
addendum and may be delivered by either facsimile transmission (fax),
e-mail, other electronic means, or by hand provided the prime bidder has
supplied the fax number or e-mail address to the Board. In addition, a copy
of the addendum shall be sent by regular mail. If the addendum cannot be
transmitted by fax, e-mail, other electronic means, or hand delivered, the
Board shall be required to postpone the bid opening by at least seven (7) days.
The School Board shall not issue or cause to be issued any addendum
modifying plans and specifications within a period of seventy-two (72) hours
prior to the advertised time for the opening of bids, excluding Saturdays,
Sundays, and any other legal holidays; however, if the necessity arises to
issue an addendum modifying plans and specifications within the seventy-two
hour period prior to the advertised time for the opening of bids, then the
opening of bids shall be extended at least seven (7) days, but not to
exceed more than twenty-one (21) working days,
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
without the requirement of readvertising. The addendum shall state the revised time and date for the opening of bids.
OPENING OF
BIDS
All bids shall be opened in public in the presence of one or more witnesses, at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and open to public inspection. However, the School Board shall not accept or take any bids including receiving any hand delivered bids, on days which are recognized as holidays by the United States Postal Service. The Superintendent and/or other appropriate administrators shall review, summarize and report bids to the Board with recommendations for final action.
If the School Board proposes to disqualify any bidder, the School Board shall:
(1) Give written notice of the proposed disqualification to such bidder, and include in the written notice all reasons for the proposed disqualification; and
(2) Give such bidder, who is proposed to be disqualified, the opportunity to be heard at an informal hearing, at which such bidder is afforded the opportunity to refute the reasons for the disqualification.
Revised: December, 1991
Revised: December, 1992
Revised: November, 1993
Revised: December, 1995
Revised: October, 1997
Revised: November, 1999
Revised: November, 2001
Revised: June, 2002
Revised: August, 2003
Revised: November, 2003
Revised:
September. 2004
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§38:2211, 38:2212, 38:2212.1, 38:2214, 38:2218, 38:2251, 39:1551 et seq.; Board minutes, 8-6-02.
NEW POLICY
FILE: JBCE
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board is required by both Federal law and the Louisiana School Accountability Program to develop and maintain a Public School Choice policy for any school with a School Performance Score (SPS) below levels set by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and considered in School Improvement Level II or higher. Additionally, those Title I schools that have failed the subgroup component of the state's accountability system for one year or are in School Improvement II or higher shall also be a part of a School Choice program. School Choice allows eligible students to transfer to an academically acceptable school. Subgroup component refers to the testing performance within a specified subgroup of students.
Once schools eligible to receive students have been identified, a school-site utilization study shall be conducted as needed in all schools to determine the extent to which capacity exists to
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
possibly accommodate students from schools offering choice, including students with special needs and/or students with disabilities. Only those schools that are labeled academically acceptable shall be considered eligible to receive students.
The Superintendent and staff shall be responsible for developing and managing a School Choice Plan, which shall determine the schools to which students may transfer, which students shall have priority in transferring, and all other regulations and procedures for supervising school choice within the school district.
NOTIFICATION
Notification of parents of their school choice options shall be sent as early as possible, but not later than the first day of the school year for the schools that are required to offer choice. If there are no choice options available, this information shall be included in the notification sent parents.
ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENTS
All students in a school required to offer choice shall be eligible to transfer. However, the School Board shall give priority to the lowest achieving students from low-income families, as determined by the School Board.
Ref: 20 U.S.C. 6316 (No Child Left Behind, Section 1116); Louisiana School. District. and State Accountability System, Bulletin 111, Louisiana Department of Education.
Tangipahoa Parish School Board
FILE: CN
Cf: DIE, GAK, JR
School district records are public records and are
available for inspection by any person at reasonable times during working hours.
However, certain school documents, such as pupil school health records, pupil
report cards, supervisory reports on teachers, budget worksheets, and personnel
folders are in the category of privileged information and are not public
records. Access to or release of privileged information such as pupil or
personnel records, shall be governed by appropriate regulations and procedures.
No copies of school district records shall be copied on School
System equipment or duplicated at a cost to the system unless it is for
official school business. No official records are to leave the school or
district premises unless it is for official school business. There shall be no
obligation to the school system to reproduce any school records except for
appropriate official agencies. Copies of school district records shall be made
at the expense of the person making the request, unless specifically required
by appropriate official agencies. Duplication of records classified as
privileged information shall not be permitted.
Official
records of the school district shall not leave the school or district premises
except for official school business. Copies of school district records may be
requested at any time. The School Board shall require any person making the
request to reimburse the School Board for the actual fees and costs incurred
prior to providing any document, record, or item, unless the person is exempted
from providing reimbursement. Duplication of records classified, as privileged
information shall not be permitted.
Any person may request in writing, a time to see such
public records at a mutual, agreeable time with the office of the
Superintendent and such time and place will be mutually stipulated during
normal working hours. Any request to view records shall clearly state the
specific records desired.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of law or rules or regulations to the contrary, the School Board, upon majority vote of the total Board membership, shall have the right to examine any or all records of the school system.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
EMPLOYEES'
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
Except as required by applicable law, regulation, or
policy of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the
School Board shall not use the social security number of a teacher or school
employee as a means of identification for such teacher or employee. The teacher
or employee shall not be required to include or provide his/her social security
number on any form or other written document unless:
1. A social security number is required by any applicable law, regulation or policy of BESE; or
2. The form or written document is required for employment, retirement, application for leave or an individualized education plan.
The School Board or any school official or employee
shall not provide access to any form or document on which the social security
number of a teacher or school employee appears to any person other than the following:
1. Any official or employee of the school at which the teacher or school employee works, the School Board, or the Louisiana Department of Education, when such access is necessary for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of the official or employee.
2. Any person authorized to have such access by the teacher or school employee.
All persons and public bodies having custody or
control of any public record, other than permanent records required by existing
law to be kept for all time, shall exercise diligence and care in preserving
the public record for the period or periods of time specified for such public
records in formal records retention schedules developed and approved by the
state archivist and director of the division of archives, records management,
and history of the Department of State.
In all instances in which a formal retention schedule has not been executed,
such public records shall be preserved and maintained for a period of at least
three (3) years from the date on which the public record was made. However,
when copies of an original record exist, the original alone shall be kept; when
only duplicate copies of a record exist, only one copy of the duplicate copies
shall be required to be kept. When an appropriate form of the micro
photographic process has been utilized to record, file, and otherwise preserve
such public records, with microforms produced in compliance with statutory
provisions, the microforms shall be deemed originals in themselves, and
disposition of original documents which have been micro photographically
preserved and of duplicates and other copies thereof shall proceed in
accordance with state law.
All existing records or records hereafter accumulated
by the Board, which participates in federal programs or receive federal grants,
may be destroyed after three (3) years from the date on which the records were
made in those cases where this provision is not superseded by guidelines for
the operative federal program or grant requiring longer retention periods for
the records in question; provided that these records shall not be destroyed in
any case where litigation with reference thereto is pending, or until the
appropriate state or federal audits have been conducted.
Revised:
September. 2004
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§13:5112.1, 17:81, 17:93, 17:196, 17:230, 17:232, 17:415, 17:440, 44: 1, 44:4, 44:31. 44:32, 44:36; Board minutes, 1-8-02.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
SABBATICAL
LEAVE
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall grant sabbatical leave for the purpose of professional or cultural improvement or for medical leave to all teaching personnel in accordance with statutory provisions. Teaching personnel shall include any person employed by the Board who holds a valid teaching certificate issued by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and any social worker, guidance counselor, or school psychologist employed by the Board who holds, as applicable, a valid professional ancillary certificate in school social work, guidance counseling, or school psychology issued by the State Department of Education.
A teacher may make application for medical sabbatical leave, which shall be accompanied by a statement from a licensed physician certifying that the leave is medically necessary.
If the Board, upon review of the application, questions the validity or accuracy of the certification, the Board may require the applicant, as a condition for continued consideration of the application, to be examined by a licensed physician selected by the Board. In such a case, the Board shall pay all costs of the examination and any tests determined to be necessary. If the physician selected by the Board finds a medical necessity, the leave application shall be granted.
If the physician selected by the Board disagrees with the certification of the physician selected by the applicant, then the Board may require the applicant, as a condition for continued consideration of the application, to be examined by a third licensed appropriate physician whose name appears next in the rotation of physicians on a list established by the local medical society for such purpose and maintained by the School Board. All costs of an examination and any required tests by a third physician shall be paid by the Board. The opinion of the third physician shall decide the issue.
The opinion of all physicians consulted shall be
submitted to the Board in the form of a sworn statement. All information
contained in any statement from a physician shall be confidential and shall not
be subject to the public records law.
Every person on sabbatical leave for the purpose of
professional or cultural improvement, shall during each semester of leave,
pursue a program of study, earning at least nine (9) undergraduate credit
hours, provided such hours directly improve the person's skills and knowledge
as a teacher, or six (6) graduate credit hours, or be certified as a full-time
student at an institution of higher learning accredited by the respective State
Board of Education or territorial board in which such institution is located.
If less than fifteen (15) weeks is spent as specified above, the number of
weeks less than fifteen (15) shall be
spent in either of the two (2) alternatives specified below:
(1) Pursue a program of independent study, research, authorship or investigation which involves an approximately equivalent amount of work and which is approved by the Board.
(2) Engage in travel which is so planned as to be of definite educational value and which has been approved by the Board.
ELIGIBILITY
Sabbatical leave may be granted on the ratio of two (2) semesters for twelve (12) or more consecutive semesters of active service within the employ of this Board or one (1) semester for six (6) or more consecutive semesters of such service.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
At no time may more than five percent (5%) of the total number of teachers employed in a school system be on leave. Selection of employees among those who qualify for sabbatical leave must be based on years of continuous service and other criteria as specified by statute.
PROCEDURE
FOR APPLICATION
A. Application for sabbatical leave shall be made on a form provided by the Superintendent of Schools. Applications shall be sent to the Superintendent by registered mail at least sixty (60) days preceding the beginning of the semester of the scholastic year for which leave is requested, with the following exception; if a teacher or other professional employee has become sick during a semester and requests medical sabbatical leave, it shall be sufficient to mail said application to the Superintendent thirty (30) days prior to the date upon which the requested leave is to commence.
The Superintendent shall inform the teacher of the approval or denial of sabbatical leave at least thirty (30) days preceding the beginning of the semester of the school year for which the leave is requested, except that, where a teacher has become sick during a semester and has requested medical sabbatical leave, the Superintendent shall inform the teacher of approval or denial of such leave as soon as possible after receipt of his/her request for leave.
B. Whenever in accordance with statutory provisions some of the applications cannot be granted, from among those which would otherwise be granted, those to be granted shall be determined in the following manner:
(1) Preference in every case shall be given to the applicant who has rendered active service in the school system for the greatest number of consecutive semesters immediately preceding the period for which leave is requested.
(2) Where any two (2) applicants rank equally in point of continuous service, preference in every case shall be given to the applicant who has rendered service in the school system for the greater total number of semesters.
(3) Where any two (2) applicants rank equally in both points of continuous service and in point of total service, preference in every case shall be given to the applicant whose date of birth is earlier.
(4) In cases where all factors are equal, the tie shall be broken by the drawing of lots in the presence of the employees.
C. Applicants whose applications are filed in the first thirty (30) days of the semester shall be given a preference over those who seek sabbatical leave under the special provision relating to sickness during a school semester.
D. Every application for sabbatical leave shall specify all of the following:
(1) The period for which leave is requested;
(2) Whether leave is requested for the purpose of professional or cultural improvement, or for the purpose of medical leave;
(3) The precise manner, in so far as possible, in which such leave, if granted, shall be spent;
(4) The semesters spent in active service in the school system from which leave is requested; and
(5) The date of birth of the applicant.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
The application shall contain a statement, over the signature of the applicant, that he/she shall agree to comply with all sabbatical leave provisions.
COMPENSATION
A teacher granted sabbatical leave shall be paid
compensation at the rate of sixty-five percent (65%) of the person's salary at
the time the sabbatical leave begins. A teacher on sabbatical leave with pay
must continue his/her retirement contribution. Time spent on such leave is
considered as active service for retirement purposes.
CONDITIONS
OF SABBATICAL
A. Each person granted sabbatical leave, as a condition of the sabbatical leave, shall be prohibited from being employed during the sabbatical leave by any public or private elementary or secondary school in Louisiana or any other state.
B. Every person on medical sabbatical leave shall be prohibited from undertaking any gainful employment during such leave unless all of the following conditions are met:
(1) The teacher can demonstrate that he/she will be working not more than twenty (20) hours a week in a part-time job that he/she has been working for not less than one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the beginning of such leave.
(2) The doctor certifying the medical necessity of the leave indicates that such part-time work does not impair the purpose for which the leave is granted.
(3) The Board authorizes such part-time work.
Violation of the part-time work provisions shall result in the medical sabbatical leave being rescinded.
C. Each person granted sabbatical leave shall sign an
agreement or contract as specified with the Board stipulating that, as a
condition of sabbatical leave and in order to be eligible for compensation
during such leave, he or she will return to service for one (1) semester for
each semester of leave upon completion of the sabbatical leave. Said service
shall ordinarily be performed in this School District. No person who, upon the
expiration of his/her sabbatical leave, immediately begins employment with a
state-operated educational agency, city, parish, or other local school board,
department, school, college or university instead of returning to the school
system which granted him/her such leave, shall be required to forfeit that
portion of compensation paid to him/her by the State while he/she was on such
leave. However, such person shall be required to reimburse the school system
any salary paid to him/her by the Board while he/she was on leave, unless the
Board opts to exercise the waiver provision as explained herein.
As per As per statutory requirement, any employee taking sabbatical leave who fails to return to service in this District upon expiration of the leave as specified above for any reason other than incapacitating illness as certified by two (2) physicians, shall forfeit all salary compensation received during the leave period. The Board shall have the authority to waive this requirement in accordance with its pre-published criteria, as noted below, if it deems such to be in the best interest of the School District, provided that such a waiver shall not be of a discriminatory nature against any employee or applicant because of his or her job description, age, race, or sex.
D. An employee on professional sabbatical leave shall observe the above stipulations concerning graduate or undergraduate credit hours to be earned and/or alternatives such as productive research or travel. The Superintendent shall have the authority to require written reports of work done and work to be done at any time during the period of leave,
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
and shall apprise the Board periodically concerning such reports. In addition, written reports are required within thirty (30) days after the beginning of each semester of leave and within thirty (30) days after the end of leave.
E. Any employee who fails to comply with statutory provisions may have his/her leave terminated by the Superintendent at any time.
F. Every person on sabbatical leave shall notify the Superintendent of his/her intention to return to work not less than thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the semester in which he/she expects to return.
An e An employee who has been granted sabbatical leave shall, upon expiration of the leave, be returned to the same position in the same school held at the time of said sabbatical leave was granted unless otherwise agreed to by the individual.
The return to service provision, as stated in Conditions of Sabbatical, Item C above, may be waived by the Board, after careful review and recommendation of the Superintendent, in any of the following instances:
A. Any person whose spouse is transferred out of the parish (job requirement not anticipated before leave) during the time the teacher is on leave or within one (1) year immediately following the termination of such leave (certification must be provided by spouse's employer).
B. Any person who receives a position to the State Department of Education, to another public school system within the State of Louisiana, or to a state-operated educational agency. In such instances, the person granted sabbatical leave, upon the expiration of leave, shall be permitted to retain that portion of compensation paid by the state while he/she was on leave. However, such person shall be required to reimburse the Board any compensation paid by the Board while on leave.
C. Incapacitating illness, as certified by two (2) physicians.
D. Incapacitating illness of member of immediate family (mother, father, sister, brother, husband, wife, child), as certified by two (2) physicians, wherein employee must remain at home to care for said family member, within one year immediately following termination of the sabbatical.
E. Whenever, in the Board's opinion, such a waiver would be in the best interest of
the School District.
REPAYMENT
OF SABBATICAL LEAVE COMPENSATION
When a teacher on a sabbatical leave goes to work for another state agency, the School Board is permitted to waive the person's requirement to return to work for the school system from which the leave was granted. When this happens, the person is required to return the local portion of salary to the School Board. However, if the School Board waives the requirement to return to work for any other reason, they also waive the requirement to refund any portion of salary. If a waiver is desired, the teacher shall be required to refund to the School Board the entire salary that was paid while the teacher was on sabbatical leave.
Revised: March, 1985
Revised: July 15, 1997
Revised: March 17, 1998
Revised: December, 1999
Revised: June, 2001
Revised: August, 2003
Revised:
September, 2004
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§11:755, 17:1170 et seq., 17:1187; Board minutes, 7-15-97, 3-17-98,9-21-99,5-1-01,10-7-03.
FILE: GBRIB
Cf: EGAA, GBRI
SICK LEAVE
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall grant all employees hired for the school year or longer a minimum of ten (10) days absence per year because of personal illness or other emergencies without loss of pay. Such leave, when not used, shall be allowed to accumulate to the credit of the employee without limitation. However, upon initial employment, a teacher employed by the Board shall not be allowed any sick leave until he/she reports for duty and actually performs work.
The minimum of ten days of sick leave for an employee shall be based on the employee beginning work at the beginning of the school year. In the case of an employee beginning work in the first month of the school year, ten days sick leave shall be allowed. If an employee begins work in the second month of the school year, nine days of sick leave shall be allowed. If an employee begins work in the third month of the school year, eight days of sick leave shall be allowed; if an employee begins work in the fourth month of the school year, seven days of sick leave shall be allowed; and the number of days of sick leave shall continue to be prorated for an employee who begins work until the eighth month of the school year, when only three days of sick leave shall be allowed. The Superintendent shall be responsible for developing and maintaining pertinent regulations and procedures governing sick leave.
An employee who is absent for six (6) or more consecutive days shall be required to present a certificate from a physician certifying such absence upon return to work. In the case of repeated absences of less than six (6) days because of illness, the Board reserves the right to require verification of illness. Should a pattern of behavior so warrant, the employee shall be required, upon the request of the Superintendent or his/her designee and at the expense of the school system, to provide a certificate from a physician specified by the school system.
Upon the retirement of any teacher, bus operator, or school employee, or upon the teacher's, bus operator's, or school employee's death prior to retirement, the School Board shall pay the teacher, bus operator, or school employee or his/her heirs or assigns, for any unused sick leave, not to exceed twenty-five (25) days. Such pay shall be at the daily rate of pay paid to the employee at the time of his/her retirement or death.
If an employee is absent from duty under circumstances in which he/she is not entitled to any kind of leave, such employee shall be considered to be in violation of his/her contract, and is not entitled to be paid for the days of unauthorized absence and non-performance of duties.
SICK
LEAVE FOR EMERGENCIES
Emergencies for sick leave purposes shall be defined by the Board as:
1. Illness or death within the immediate family - husband, wife, children and their spouses, parents, brothers and sisters and their spouses; spouse's parents, brothers and sisters and their spouses; grandparents and grandchildren (including step-relations);
2. Weather conditions - hurricane, tornado, snowstorm, flood, accident, when approved by the Superintendent or designee;
3. Court summons; or
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
4. Other unusual circumstances as approved by the Superintendent or designee.
The Board shall permit each teacher and bus driver to take up to ninety (90) days of extended sick leave in each six-year period of employment which may be used for personal illness or illness of an immediate family member at any time the teacher or bus driver has no remaining regular sick leave balance at the time the extended sick leave is set to begin. Immediate family member means a spouse, parent, or child of the teacher or bus driver.
Unused days during any six-year period of employment shall not cumulate or carry forward into the next six-year period of employment. The balance of days of extended sick leave available shall transfer with the teacher or bus driver from one public school employer to another without loss or restoration of days.
Interruptions of service between periods of employment with a public school employer shall not be included in any calculation of a six-year period. Any employment with any public school employer, regardless of when it occurs, shall be included in any determination of the balance of days of extended sick leave available to the teacher or bus driver.
Any teacher or bus driver on extended sick leave shall be paid sixty-five percent (65%) of the salary paid the teacher or bus driver at the time the extended sick leave begins. In the event a one-time salary supplement is granted after the extended sick leave has commenced, compensation will be paid at fifty percent (50%) of the person's one-time salary supplement. Except for extenuating circumstances, a doctor's certificate shall be presented upon return to work.
A teacher or bus driver may undertake additional gainful employment while on extended sick leave, provided all of the following conditions are met:
1. The teacher or bus driver can demonstrate that he/she will be working not more than twenty (20) hours a week in a part-time job that the teacher or bus driver has been working for not less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the beginning of any period of extended sick leave.
2. The physician who certifies the medical necessity of the leave indicates that such part-time work does not impair the purpose for which the extended sick leave is required.
Any violation of the provisions regarding gainful
employment may require the teacher or bus driver to return to the Board all
compensation paid during any week of extended sick leave in which the teacher
or bus driver worked more than twenty (20) hours and to reimburse the Board all
related employment costs attributable to such period as calculated by the
Board, without any restoration of leave days.
Application
Process
On every occasion when a teacher or bus driver uses
extended sick leave, a statement from a licensed physician certifying that the
leave is medically necessary for the teacher or bus driver or that the
immediate family member's illness is serious and requires the presence of the
teacher or bus driver shall be presented prior to extended sick leave being
taken, whenever possible.
(1) Applications for extended sick leave must be accompanied by a medical statement by the attending physician of the applicant. Medical statements accompanying requests for leaves for medical purposes may be referred to the School Board physician to determine if leave is warranted. A favorable report by the School Board physician must be obtained prior to any action by the School Board to approve a leave for medical purposes.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
(2) Should the School Board physician return an opinion which disagrees with the applicant's attending physician, the matter will be referred to a third physician who will be selected from a rotating list of physicians provided by the local medical society. The opinion of the third physician will prevail.
(3) The opinion of all physicians consulted in determining medical necessity of the extended sick leave shall be submitted to the Board in the form of a sworn statement. All information contained in any statement from a physician shall be confidential and shall not be subject to the public records law.
The required physician's statement may be presented
along with the request for extended sick leave after the teacher's return to
service. In such a case, the extended sick leave shall be granted for all days
for which extended sick leave is requested, provided the request and required
documentation is presented within three (3) days after the teacher returns to
service. The School Board, however, reserves the right to question the validity
of the medical certification after the three day period.
Any employee of the public schools who is injured and
disabled while acting in his/her official capacity as a result of an assault or
battery by any student or person shall receive sick leave without reduction in
pay, and without reduction in accrued sick leave days while disabled as a
result of such assault and battery. The employee shall be required to provide a
certificate from a physician certifying such injury and incapacitation. The
sick leave authorized shall be in addition to all other sick leave authorized
herein, shall not be accumulated from year to year, nor shall such additional
sick leave be compensated for at death or retirement, or compensated for in any
manner except as set forth above.
Any teacher or school employee, but not a bus operator, who is
injured or disabled while acting in his/her official capacity as a
result of physical contact with a student while providing physical assistance
to a student to prevent danger or risk of injury to the student, shall receive
sick leave for a period of up to ninety
(90) days one (1) calendar
year without reduction in pay and without reduction
in accrued sick leave days while injured or disabled as a result of rendering
such assistance. Any school employee, but not a bus, operator, injured or
disabled in a similar manner shall receive up to ninety (90) days of such sick
leave. The teacher or employee shall
be required to present a certificate from a physician certifying such injury or
disability. The Board may extend the period of sick leave beyond ninety (90) days the allowable
period at its discretion.
If the School Board questions the validity or accuracy of the physicians certification, the School Board may require the teacher to be examined by a licensed physician selected by the Board. Any further review of medical certification shall proceed in the same manner as requests for extended sick leave, which is outlined under Application Process above. The Board shall pay all costs of any examinations and tests determined to be necessary.
Should any teacher become injured or disabled while
acting in his/her official capacity, other than by assault, the teacher shall
be entitled to appropriate worker's compensation benefits and/or sick leave
benefits, at the teacher's option, for the period of time while injured or
disabled. Any benefits received, however, shall not exceed the total amount of
the regular salary the teacher was receiving at the time of injury or
disability. The teacher shall be required to present a certificate from a
physician certifying such injury or incapacitation.
All sick leave accumulated by a teacher or school
employee, but not a bus operator, shall be vested in the teacher or school
employee by whom such leave has been accumulated. In the event
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
of the transfer of a teacher or school employee from
one school system to another in Louisiana, or upon the return of such teacher
or school employee to the same school system within five (5) years or such
longer period that may be approved by the Board to which the teacher or school
employee returned, regardless of the dates on which the leave was accumulated
or the date of transfer or return of the teacher or school employee, such
vested leave shall be transferred, returned to, or continued by the Board and
shall be retained to the credit of the teacher or school employee.
The School Board, realizing that the severity of a catastrophic or
long-term illness of an employee can have a profound effect on the employee and
his/her family, may provide any employee up to one calendar year of leave
without pay and/or five (5) thirty
(30) days with 50% of their salary, upon application to and approval of the
Superintendent or his/her designee. Such
leave without pay may be used for personal illness of the employee or illness of an immediate family member. Immediate family member is defined as a spouse, parent, or child of the employee.
On every occasion when an employee has exhausted his/her accumulated sick leave and extended sick leave (for those employees eligible for extended sick leave), the Board shall require a statement from a licensed physician be submitted with the leave application certifying that the leave is medically necessary. The same procedures utilized for extended sick leave may be used to resolve any questions of validity or accuracy of the medical certification submitted.
Revised: December, 1995
Revised: December, 1999
Revised: June, 2001
Revised: August, 2001
Revised: January, 2003
Revised: April, 2003
Revised: July, 2003
Revised:
September. 2004
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:125, 17:425, 17:500, 17:500.1, 17:1200, 17:1201, 17:1202, 17:1205, 17:1206, 17:1206.1; Board minutes, 9-21-99, 5-1-01, 6-18-02, 6-17-03.
NEW POLICY
FILE: GBRL
HOLIDAYS
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall establish the holiday schedule for all personnel in addition to those included in the adoption of a school calendar. Whenever a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Board may declare that the holiday be observed on the preceding Friday or following Monday, respectively.
General election day shall be designated by each school system as a holiday every four years for the presidential election.
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §1: 55; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
FILE: IFCB
Cf: EDAE
FIELD TRIPS
AND EXCURSIONS
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board recognizing that educational field trips and trips to various types of contests for instructional purposes help provide desirable learning experiences, shall delegate to the Superintendent the responsibility for development of administrative criteria governing field trips. Only those field trips, however, that grow out of the instructional program or are otherwise related to the program are to be permitted on school time. Other trips such as those involving band and athletic activities should be confined to non-school time, except where the school is engaged in competition or a contest that requires use of school time.
Teachers planning on conducting out-of-parish field trips or learning experiences shall submit, through the principal, an application in writing to the Superintendent or his/her designee for approval. Before any trip or excursion is taken, written parental permission shall be secured for every pupil planning to take the trip. Students who have not submitted signed parental permission forms shall not be allowed to make the trip.
Before approval of any field trip is given, it shall be determined whether the trip is covered by the Board's liability insurance. No travel shall be authorized where coverage cannot be secured prior to the trip commencing. Except in extreme cases approved by the principal of the school, private vehicles shall not be used for transporting children on field trips. Only buses, owned by or contracted to the school district, and driven by certified drivers shall be permitted, except as noted above.
The Board does not endorse the use of private vehicles to transport
students to and/or from interscholastic activities. However, it recognizes the
need for additional transportation at certain times; and the use of private
vehicles may be utilized for the transportation of students to interscholastic
activities provided that (1) students being thus transported provide the school
with liability release forms signed by the students' parents/guardians; and (2) all such vehicles are driven
by properly licensed adults; and (3) the name of the driver a copy of the
driver's license and proof of insurance
coverage are provided the principal prior to the use of the private vehicle.
Whenever any student trip or excursion utilizes the services of a
travel agent or booking agent to provide or arrange for transportation or
lodging, the School Board shall require the travel agent or booking agent to
provide proof of adequate insurance and present to the Board a surety bond sufficient
to insure recovery of all monetary advances as a result of nonperformance.
The amount of the bond shall be at least equal to any payments made
to the travel agent, agency, or booking agent prior to the date of travel. In
addition, any bond issued shall be from a surety company licensed to do
business in Louisiana and approved by the Board. A certified check covering the
full amount of advanced payment may be accepted by the Board, but only when a
bond is not available.
Additional
regulations governing field trips or excursions for students that involve
travel or lodging may be maintained by the Superintendent and staff.
The principal of a junior
high, middle school, or high school shall be prohibited from approving any
field trip or extracurricular activity promoted by any individual,
organization, or entity which plans, promotes, or organizes travel
arrangements, unless the trip or activity is in accordance with all Board
established criteria, and is covered by proper insurance and an acceptable
surety bond.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
Ref:
La.
Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:176.1.
FILE: JGCE
Cf: GAMC, JDA, JG
CHILD ABUSE
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall endeavor to ensure that all instances of child abuse and/or neglect are reported in accordance with appropriate state and local laws and regulations. Therefore, the School Board directs that all school personnel be informed of their responsibilities under law as mandatory reporters when performing their occupational duties.
DEFINITIONS
Child, for purposes of child abuse, is defined as a person under eighteen (18) years of age, who prior to juvenile proceedings, has not been judicially emancipated or emancipated by marriage.
Abuse means anyone of the following acts which seriously endanger the physical, mental, or emotional health of the child:
(a) The infliction, attempted infliction, or, as a result of inadequate supervision, the allowance of the infliction or attempted infliction of physical or mental injury upon the child by a parent or any other person.
(b) The exploitation or overwork of a child by a parent or any other person.
(c) The involvement of the child in any sexual act with a parent or any other person, or the aiding or toleration by the parent or the caretaker of the child's sexual involvement with any other person or of the child's involvement in pornographic displays, or any other involvement of a child in sexual activity constituting a crime under the laws of this state.
Neglect means the refusal or willful failure of a parent or caretaker to supply the child with necessary food, clothing, shelter, care, treatment, or counseling for any injury, illness, or condition of the child, as a result of which the child's physical, mental, or emotional health is substantially threatened or impaired. In accordance with statutory provisions, the inability of a parent or caretaker to provide for a child due to inadequate financial resources shall not, for that reason alone, be considered neglect. Whenever, in lieu of medical care, a child is being provided treatment in accordance with the tenets of a well-recognized religious method of healing which has a reasonable, proven record of success, the child shall not, for that reason alone, be considered to be neglected or maltreated. However, nothing herein shall prohibit the court from ordering medical services for the child when there is substantial risk of harm to the child's health or welfare.
A mandatory reporter is any person who provides training and supervision of a child, including anyone of the following individuals performing their occupational duties: teacher, teacher's aide, instructional aide, school principal, and school staff member.
Caretaker means any person legally obligated to provide or secure adequate care for a child, including a parent, tutor, guardian, legal custodian, foster home parent, an employee of a public or private day care center, or other person providing a residence for the child.
Any mandatory reporter, notwithstanding any claim of privileged communication, who has cause to believe that a child's physical or mental health or welfare is endangered as a
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
result of abuse or neglect, as defined by this policy, or that abuse or neglect was a contributing factor in a child's death, shall report immediately suspected abuse/neglect in accordance with the following:
I. The mandatory reporter having the information shall contact the principal or designee immediately. The principal or other supervising employee shall immediately:
(A) When the suspected abuser is believed to be a parent or caretaker, make the report to the local child protection unit of the Department of Social Services.
(B) When the abuse or neglect is believed to be perpetrated by someone other than a parent or caretaker, and a parent or caretaker is not believed to have any responsibility for the abuse or neglect, make the report to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the place where the abuse/neglect occurred.
II. If the initial report was in oral form, it shall be followed by a written report on the approved form, which written report shall be delivered within five (5) days to the local child protection agency or the local law enforcement agency to whom the initial report was made.
III. The principal, assistant principal, or other supervisory employee to whom the initial reporter gave the report shall have the primary responsibility of reporting the information to the appropriate agency as herein provided. The teacher or other Board employee who was the initial reporter is not relieved of responsibility, however, and to ensure that the report is delivered to the appropriate agency as required by law, the principal/designee/supervisory employee shall confer with the initial reporting employee and confirm that the report was made to the appropriate agency. If the principal/designee/ supervisory employee fails or refuses to make a required report, the initial reporting employee shall make the required report to the appropriate agency and shall, within five (5) days of filing the required written report file a confidential report of the entire matter in writing with the Superintendent.
The report shall contain the following information, if known:
1) The name, address, age, sex, and race of the child.
2) The nature, extent, and cause of the child's injuries or endangered condition, including any previous known or suspected abuse to this child or the child's siblings.
3) The name and address of the child's parent(s) or other caretaker.
4) The names and all the ages of all other members of the child's household.
5) The name and address of the reporter.
6) An account of how this child came to the reporter's attention.
7) Any explanation of the cause of the child's injury or condition offered by the child, the caretaker, or any other person.
8) The number of times the reporter has filed a report on the child or the child's siblings.
9) Any other information which the reporter believes might be important or relevant.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
The report shall also name the person or persons who are thought to have caused or contributed to the child's condition, if known, and the report shall contain the name of such person if he/she is named by the child.
If the initial report was in oral form by a mandatory reporter, it shall be followed by a written report made within five (5) days to the local child protection unit, or if necessary, to the local law enforcement agency.
Admission of the investigator on school premises or
access to the child in school shall not be denied by school officials.
When an employee is accused of the use of impermissible corporal punishment or moral offenses involving students, the principal shall initiate an investigation (see procedures under policy GAMC, Employee Investigations). If the offender is a central office employee, or principal, the immediate supervisor will initiate an investigation.
Upon any school employee receiving a report of, or
information about, child abuse, against another school employee or volunteer,
and the employee receiving said information has cause to believe the
truthfulness thereof, the reporting procedure as outlined in this policy shall
be followed, depending upon whether the employee or volunteer is considered a
caretaker or someone other than a caretaker.
The school employee shall also, as soon as reasonably
possible, notify the appropriate immediate supervisor of the accused
individual, and that supervisor in turn will as soon as reasonably possible,
notify the Superintendent or designee. The Superintendent and the Board's
attorney will determine what appropriate action the school system may take over
and above the investigation being conducted by the appropriate state agency. In
any incident involving an employee or volunteer which is reported to the
Superintendent or designee, the person shall be removed from all activities
involving direct contact with students until the matter is resolved.
ALLEGATIONS
OF SEXUAL OFFENSES
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be
required to notify the local law enforcement agency of any allegation made by a
student of the commission of a sex offense as defined by La. Rev. Stat. Ann.
§15:541(14.1). Such notification shall be made by the Superintendent or his/her
designee within twenty-four (24) hours of the time the student notified the
Superintendent or other appropriate personnel. Any school employee who receives
information from a student concerning the possible commission of a sexual
offense shall immediately inform the Superintendent and/or his/her designee.
The circumstances and information of the initial
report, the fact that a report was made to an agency, and the written report
shall be held in confidence and shall not be disseminated to third parties
other than those persons or agencies designated by this policy or required by
state law. Any written report or other written information regarding the report
shall be kept in a confidential file separate from the child's routine school
records and accessible only by the principal/designee/supervisory employee or
by court order.
INSERVICE
TRAINING
At the beginning of each school year, each principal
shall provide mandated inservice training for mandatory reporters and other
school personnel and volunteers on how to recognize and report suspected child
abuse or child neglect. Each employee and volunteer shall sign a form
indicating he/she has received and understands the guidelines for reporting
child abuse/neglect.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
IMMUNITY
FROM LIABILITY
Any person who in good faith makes a report,
cooperates, in any investigation arising as a result of such report, or
participates in judicial proceedings authorized under the Louisiana Children's
Code shall have immunity from civil or criminal liability that otherwise might
be incurred or imposed. This immunity, however, does not extend to (1) a person
who participates in or conspires with a participant or an accessory to an
offense involving the abuse or neglect of a child; (2) any person who makes a
report known to be false or with reckless disregard for the truth of the
report.
The Louisiana Children's Code and Louisiana criminal law provide substantial penalties for mandatory reporters who fail to report facts which would support a reasonable belief that child abuse or neglect has occurred. Additionally, educators or other employees of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board who fail or refuse to report child abuse/neglect as provided by law or by this policy may be subject to disciplinary and/or dismissal proceedings for neglect of duty.
Ref:
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403, 15:542.2, 17:81.6; La. Children's Code, Title VI, Art. 601 et seq.
President
Link passed the gavel to Vice-President Genco.
It
was moved by Mr. Link, seconded by Mr. Potts, to approve the 16th
Section Ad Hoc Committee Report of November 9, 2004. Hearing no objection, the
motion was adopted. Following is the report as approved.
Authorized the sale of timber on eighty acres on the Laneaux Tract.
President Link assumed the gavel.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, seconded by Ms. Dixon, to approve the Dyslexia Task Force Report of November 9, 2004. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
1. The committee revisited the Dyslexia Law of Louisiana Bulletin 1903
a. The Board shall adopt and provide for the implementation of a program under which students enrolled or enrolling in public schools in this state are tested for dyslexia and related disorders as may be necessary. Such programs shall conform to the criteria and minimum standards established by the Council for Learning Disabilities.
b. The program shall provide that upon the request of a parent, a student, a school nurse, a classroom teacher, or other school personnel, who has reason to believe that a student has a need to be tested for dyslexia, such student shall be referred to the School Building Level Committee for review and referral to Pupil Appraisal for appropriate services.
2. The committee discussed how the Section 504 Program interacts with the Dyslexia Program.
a. Testing dyslexic students
b. Training and in-service for Teachers
c. No Child Left Behind Act
d. Special Education Law (1508)
e. 504 Program
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
3. The committee discussed
the number of Project Read Classrooms in the school system as well as the
possible continuation of this program into higher-grade levels. Mrs. Durio
explained that has five curriculum strands:
Phonology, Linguistics, Reading Comprehension Report Form, Reading
Comprehension Story Form, Literature Connection and Written Expression. The
strands are integrated at all grade levels, but specific strands are emphasized
at certain grade levels. Once you finish the strands, you have finished
the program.
4. The problem of little or no funding either state or federal was addressed by the committee and heard comments from official at the state level regarding this problem.
5. The committee discussed hiring a professional diagnostician to assess possible dyslexic students. If funding were available, this would be an asset to the school system; we would have to have one per eight hundred students.
6. It is the goal of the Dyslexia Task Force to start a pilot school for dyslexic students when funding becomes available.
7. The committee discussed planning a trip to visit Brighton Academy in Baton Rouge.
8. The committee discussed the resources that are available for parents of dyslexic students and Mrs. Bailey-Simmons reminded them of the materials that she had compiled that were available at KwikKopy.
9. The parental guide delineating the procedure to follow to have students assessed for the Dyslexic Program was discussed.
10. Suggestions were heard from state officials, etc. on how to better implement the Dyslexic Program.
Mrs. Bailey-Simmons indicated that Dyslexia resource materials had been compiled and would be made available to both parents and teachers.
It
was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Genco, to waive the rules to
address an item regarding the Amite High School Auditorium. Hearing no
objection, the motion was adopted.
It
was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mr. Genco, to approve the substantial
completion of the Amite High School Auditorium pending a receipt of warranty from
Mr. Holly. Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
Mr.
Richardson thanked Mr. Holly, Mr. Shontell, Mr. Moody, and Mr. Kolwe, for their
dedication to the completion of the Amite High School project.
Superintendent
Joseph introduced Dr. Patsy Causey, Director American Cancer Society. Dr.
Causey thanked Superintendent Joseph and the Tangipahoa Parish School System
for their support of the Relay for Life. The school system raised $32,893.31
for this cause.
Mrs.
Doris Flanagan, Tangipahoa Parish Federation of Teachers Representative, spoke
in public input regarding the one-time, mid-year salary supplement and thanked
the Board on behalf of the employees.
Mrs.
Karen Bell, Tangipahoa Association of Educators also spoke in public input
regarding the one-time, mid-year salary supplement. She also thanked the Board
for its efforts.
TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM - December 7, 2004
It
was moved by Mr. Richardson, seconded by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, to approve the
one-time, mid-year Salary Supplement. Hearing no objection, the motion was
adopted.
President Link spoke in personal privilege and reminded the Board Members if at all possible, to make a contribution to United Way.
Mr. Bardwell requested that Mr. Holly give the Board an update on the Ponchatoula Building project. Mr. Holly gave a brief overview of the status of the project.
It was moved by Mrs. Bailey-Simmons, seconded by
Mr. Genco to adjourn (7:45 p.m.).
Hearing no objection, the motion was adopted.
Respectfully submitted,
Al Link, President
Louis L. Joseph, Secretary-Treasurer
Recorded By: Jo-Ann L. Frazier (12/07/04)