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10-14-2003 |
DATE, TIME, PLACE OF MEETING
The Calcasieu Parish School Board met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board located at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, October 14, at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Gregory Robert, President. The prayer was led by Philip Tarver; Dr. Stephens led the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
The roll was called and the following members were present: Joe A. Andrepont, Billy Breaux, Dale B. Bernard, Clara F. Duhon, Jay L. Duhon, John M. Falgout, Rev. J.L. Franklin, James W. Karr, Sr., Bryan LaRocque, Sheral A. LaVergne, James W. Pitre, Gregory P. Robert, Dr. Edward Stephens, Philip Tarver and R.L. Webb.
MINUTES APPROVED
On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Breaux and unanimously carried, the minutes of the regular meeting of September 16, 2003, were approved as presented.
PRESENTATIONS
2003-2004 Officers of the Calcasieu Parish School Bus Operators’ Association
Karen Bryant, Secretary of the Calcasieu Parish School Bus Operators’ Association, was recognized. Ms. Bryant announced the following officers for 2003-2004:
Leola Collins Treasurer Karen Bryant Secretary Sylvia Myers Vice-President Kathy Landry President
Ms. Bryant reported that Mrs. Kathy Landry was elected Vice-President of the state association. She stated that this is the first time a Calcasieu Parish member serves at the state level. She added that Mrs. Sylvia Myers has served as a district board member on the state board for twenty-one consecutive years and as a trustee representing eighteen parishes on the Louisiana School’s Retirement Board.
Mr. Robert congratulated the officers and the association’s accomplishments state and parish-wide.
Outstanding School Support Employees
Mrs. Hicks, Administrative Director of Elementary Schools, introduced the 2003 Elementary Support Person of the Year, Mrs. Kathy Breaux. Mrs. Breaux is the cafeteria manager at St. John Elementary School. She fosters the children’s needs and always makes each child feel special. She is dedicated to her profession and volunteers in other areas to assist teachers, parents and administrators. Mrs. Breaux is active in her church and civic projects.
Mr. Jongbloed, Administrative Director of High Schools, introduced the 2003 Middle School and High School Support Personnel of the Year.
Mr. Ashton Richard, custodian at Moss Bluff Middle School, is the recipient of the middle school award. Mr. Richard is a man of many talents; he maintains the campus grounds, repairs equipment and assists administrators, faculty and staff with various tasks. Mr. Richard’s involvement and his respect for the community are unsurpassed. He is an active member of his church and many civic organizations. In addition to his commitment to the school system, he serves as Justice of the Peace for Ward One.
Mr. Jack Thigpen, custodian at Sam Houston High School, is the recipient of the high school award. Mr. Thigpen plays a vital role in the daily routine at the school. He arrives everyday at 4:30 in order to prepare the classrooms for instruction and stays late in the evening for community meetings or school events. He handles problems with precision and ease. His fortitude and positive attitude attribute to his success. “Mr. Jack” is respected and highly admired by his community, peers, school administrators, parents and students.
The Board congratulated and thanked the outstanding employees for their dedication and exemplary performance.
Louisiana Distinguished Partners in Education - Bobby LeTard Shelter Insurance and PPG Industries
Mr. Theriot reported that two local companies have won the Louisiana Distinguished Partners in Education Award presented by the Louisiana State Department of Education. PPG Industries Incorporated and Bobby LeTard Shelter Insurance were two of five recipients statewide. The award recognizes businesses that have made significant contributions to local educational communities. Mr. Theriot recognized Dick Holliday, works manager at PPG’s Calcasieu Parish plant, the PPG team and Bobby LeTard. For the past eleven years, PPG has partnered with four area schools, LaGrange, Vinton and Sam Houston High Schools and Our Lady Queen of Heaven Elementary School. PPG has shown its commitment to the educational system by:
Mr. LeTard’s association with Westlake High School goes back more than thirty years, when he was a student at Westlake High School. Since that time, he has continued to reside in Westlake, serving the community in many capacities, including two terms as a School Board member and, subsequently, six years as a City Council member. For the past five years, he has been a participant in Partners in Education at Westlake High. He volunteers his time and talent where needed.
The Board congratulated PPG and Bobby LeTard for this prestigious award and thanked them for their continued efforts and dedication to the school system.
Report from Barbe High School - LHSAA Action
Charles Adkins, Principal of Barbe High School, was recognized. Mr. Adkins reported the following:
Barbe VS John F. Kennedy Sportsmanship Hearing
Mr. Adkins stated, “Let me begin by saying that September 19th was to be a night of celebration for the Barbe community. This night marked the opening ceremonies for our new football stadium. This was the night that our school finally had what we could call our first true home game. The special ceremonies to begin the game were the results of many months of planning. LHSAA graciously allowed us to include former administrators, coaches, and players in the opening ceremonies. Parents had also planned a meal after to be held after the game in the school cafeteria. Many hours of preparation were spent in order to make this a special night for our athletes and coaches, our parents, and the entire school community. To my knowledge, this is the first time the two schools have even met. The two schools don’t even have a history of a rivalry. The night progressed better than expected until the last eleven seconds of the game. What happened in those eleven seconds is the reason why I am here today.
As a result of the incidents that happened on that night, the Louisiana High School Athletic Association convened a Sportsmanship Hearing on October 1, 2003. The purpose of the hearing was to address the alleged unsportsmanlike incidents that happened as the game ended. I must say that I was very thankful to have several of our board members and our Superintendent in attendance at this hearing. The Calcasieu Parish School System was well represented.
Please note that during the end of the game, and the few seconds after the game when inappropriate behavior was displayed on the field and in the stands, neither the JFK players nor the Barbe players appeared to participate in any unsportsmanlike conduct. I think it is a credit to the programs of both schools that the players set such good examples. I also want to credit the response of the vast majority of fans in attendance at the game. Their conduct and composure certainly assisted with the management of the crowd. Unfortunately, according to an eyewitness statement, six to eight Barbe spectators displayed inappropriate behavior by throwing rocks and pvc pipe at the Kennedy band and athletes as they were walking to their buses. We are currently investigating this incident and will report to the LHSAA when our investigation is completed.
Based on the testimony heard and the evidence presented, the Sportsmanship Hearing Committee applied fines and probations from the penalty code to both schools. Barbe High School was fined $1,000 for being involved in infractions inconsistent with wholesome competition. We were also fined $500 for spectator misconduct immediately following an athletic contest. In addition, we were placed on Disciplinary Probation in all sports for a calendar year from the date of the hearing. Finally, we are to share equally in the total cost of the Sportsmanship Hearing, an amount that I have not yet been informed of. In the matter concerning the allegations that racial remarks were used by individuals connected with both schools to instigate the incidents, the committee did not receive conclusive proof that these allegations were founded and therefore took no action.
Upon review, it was my opinion that the fines were excessive and amounted to being fined twice for the same violation of spectator misconduct. Therefore, I appealed the decision of the Sportsmanship Hearing Committee to the full Executive Committee of the LHSAA. This appeal was heard in Baton Rouge on October 08, 2003. The Executive Committee concurred with my appeal and a result, the fine was reduced to $500 for spectator misconduct.
Obviously, since that night, school officials have met to review game management procedures. While we recognize that the incidents of that night are isolated in nature, we have implemented a few changes. End zone seating (on the track) will be provided for overflow crowds in future games rather than allowing cross seating. Additional security will be hired as needed to monitor the end zone areas. A suggestion was made to place a security coordinator in the press box to assist with communication between the security forces. Even though it appears that we hire much more security than the schools in our district and parish, we are reevaluating the number of security personnel we provide for home games. We have also added additional lighting to the parking areas. The completion of construction projects on campus will also benefit overall game management.
In closing, I would like to express my regret to the Barbe and John F. Kennedy school communities for what happened at the end of the game. I also would like to express my regret to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association and the Calcasieu Parish School Board for the need to call a sportsmanship hearing as a result of the game. I know that both schools have learned from the events of that night and are taking steps to ensure that neither of our schools will be called before a sportsmanship committee again.”
There was discussion regarding the increased number of security officers. Mr. Adkins reported that he polled area schools and the average number ranges from 6 to 8 officers per game. He noted that at the last game Barbe High School hired 40 officers.
The Board commended Mr. Adkins and the staff of Barbe High School for conducting a through investigation and displaying a professional manner in which they have handled this situation.
Mr. Andrepont called for a Point of Privilege.
Mr. Andrepont, Mr. Duhon and Mr. Breaux made a special presentation to the Barbe High School Board members, Mr. Tarver, Mr. Pitre, Mr. Bernard and Mr. Robert. Mr. Andrepont announced that Sulphur High School’s football team was victorious against Barbe High School at the last contest; the score was 28 to 14. The Sulphur Board members presented a SHS cap in commemoration of this athletic event.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Andrepont, Chairman, reported that the C&I Committee met on September 25, 2003. A quorum was present.
The first item on the agenda was a resolution for leniency for handcuffing of students.
At the request of Mr. Karr, a resolution for leniency for handcuffing of students was brought to the Committee. This resolution in no way affects the Zero Tolerance Policy, but rather is a request for consideration in not handcuffing students. He suggested that a letter be sent with the resolution stating that we concur with their policy but are asking for leniency in this area. Mr. Miller stated that although handcuffing was included in the original policy, it had been removed. A motion was made accepting the resolution as presented.
Mr. Spruel clarified that passage of this resolution would have no effect on the current Zero Tolerance Policy or the policy of the various law enforcement agencies. The purpose of this resolution would be to communicate to law enforcement simply that it is the position of the Calcasieu Parish School Board that unless it falls within the discretion of the particular law enforcement officer that there is a need to handcuff, that the student not be handcuffed.
Lt. Ben Angerstein, Supervisor of the Safe School Program for the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s office, explained that the policy (general order) of the sheriff’s office governing the use of handcuffs in Section 3-A1 states that handcuffs should be applied whenever a person is placed under arrest. Mr. Andrepont emphasized that there is no zero tolerance policy for elementary schools. Exceptions may be granted for juveniles 12 years of age and under who are arrested for zero tolerance violations. Application of handcuffs on those juveniles may be applied at the discretion of the arresting officer or transporting deputy. He stated 12 years and under, they do not handcuff. Thirteen and above, it’s at the officer’s discretion. He explained that they must also look at liability issues such as when transporting if they injure themselves or others. He assured the Committee that the sheriff’s office is willing to work with Calcasieu Parish School Board.
The motion was amended by placing a period after Zero Tolerance Policy in the last paragraph of the Resolution and striking the words “unless the law enforcement personnel determines that a lack of respect, lack of personal control or other behavior exhibited by the student warrants handcuffing or would otherwise present a harmful situation.”
Mr. Andrepont moved on behalf of the committee to approve the motion as amended.
Dr. Stephens offered a motion, seconded by Mr. Breaux, to move the discussion of the issue to the Administration and Personnel Committee.
There was discussion regarding communication with the Sheriff’s office in relation to the opinion of the Board on specifics of the Zero Tolerance Policy.
After lengthy discussion, Mr. Falgout called for the question.
Mr. Robert stated that seeing no further discussion he called for a vote on the motion to send the issue of the Zero Tolerance Policy to the Administration and Personnel Committee. The vote carried with one nay.
Mr. Andrepont reported that the next item was the review of history taught at middle and high schools.
Donna Mancuso, High School Social Studies Consultant, and Pinelle Spain, Middle School Social Studies Consultant, explained the American History course of study for middle and high schools.
Currently teachers follow the Louisiana Department of Education’s standards and benchmarks for teaching American History in Calcasieu Parish schools.
The courses are taught to the 8th and 11th grade students because these grades are required to take Exit Exams in American History. The 8th grade test is called LEAP 21 the high school test is called GEE 21.
Dr. Loree Young, Jr., of Sulphur spoke of the importance of teaching history to our young people. This item was for informational purposes only.
Next, Mr. Andrepont reported that Sheryl Piper, Elementary Consultant, concluded the report presented at the last Board Meeting on an update of the Pre- Kindergarten Program in Calcasieu Parish.
Funding sources include:
Starting Points (TANF) – 3 classes 8(g) (BESE) – 6 classes Title 1 – 10 classes LA 4 (TANF) – 36 classes
Enrollment has increased from 460 in 2001-2002 to 1079 in 2003-2004.
Ninety-two percent of LA 4 students are in poverty (as measured by free or reduced lunch status). Previous research shows that these students benefit the most from quality Pre-K programs.
This item was for informational purposes only.
Mr. Andrepont reported that with no further business the meeting was adjourned. Employee Benefits Committee
Mr. Tarver, Chairman, reported that the employee Benefits Committee met in the Conference Room of the Calcasieu Parish School Board at 1732 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Tuesday, September 30, 2003, at 4:45 p.m. A quorum was present.
Mr. Greg Belfour, Attorney for CPSB, summarized the opinion of the Attorney General regarding the CPSB proposed plan to modify the percentage of retiree premium contributions. Mr. Belfour explained that the Office of Group Benefits would have to approve or decline the premium modifications proposed by the CPSB. Mr. Hayes informed the committee that he had spoken with Kip Wall, Chief Executive Officer, with the Office of Group Benefits, and that he would be awaiting our plan modifications when approved by the CPSB. Office of Group Benefits would then advise CPSB of their decision.
A motion was made and carried approving the retiree premium structure. The retirees in the CPSB health insurance plan by December 30, 2003, will have CPSB fund 62% of their premium and 50% of the premium of covered dependents. After that deadline, retirees with less than one year in the plan will not receive any contribution by the Board for their premium; those with 1 year to less than 10 years will have 16% of their premium funded by CPSB and 12% of their dependent’s premium funded; 10 years to less than 15 years, 32% for retiree’s share and 25% for dependents; 15 years to less than 20 years, 47% for retiree’s and 38% for dependents, and 20 years or more, 62% funding and 50% for dependents’ premium.
Mr. Tarver moved on behalf of the committee to approve the retiree premium structure as presented.
Discussion ensued relative to the definition of retiree. Mr. Theriot stated that in this context, retiree is classified as leaving the system.
It was noted that this plan is more in align with the state premium structure. If approved, an open enrollment would be available for those choosing to enlist in the insurance program.
After further discussion, Mr. Robert called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried.
Mr. Tarver reported that Mr. Hayes discussed the voluntary benefits that CPSB offers to employees.
Next, Mr. Tarver stated that Mr. Alan Saba of Trustmark reported claims during the first four months of this policy period were less than the first four months of the last policy period. He also added that Trustmark was continuing to work on renewal numbers and he would be presenting more information at the committee’s next meeting.
Mr. Tarver stated that there being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.
Administration and Personnel
Mr. Duhon reported that the Administration and Personnel Committee met Thursday, October 2, 2003, at 4:45 p.m. A quorum was present.
Mr. Duhon stated that the committee approved the naming of the fieldhouse at Washington-Marion Magnet High School Roscoe J. Moore Fieldhouse. Mr. Duhon moved to approve committee’s recommendation. Motion carried.
Ms. LaVergne requested to read the following resolution on behalf of the citizens of Lake Charles:
Whereas Roscoe J. Moore served this community as an educator, assistant coach, head coach, assistant principal, and principal for over 30 years, and his commitment to education and academic excellence was known to all.
Whereas his love of sports was an inspiration to many students both on and off the field. As an administrator on the Southern University Board of Directors, he was well known for his outstanding work promoting higher education for young people and assisting in securing scholarships for many.
Whereas during his tenure both Washington High and Washington-Marion High schools earned academic and athletic recognition throughout the state of Louisiana.
Whereas in this year of 2003 in recognition of 20 years since the merger of Washington High and Marion High, and
Whereas he served as the first principal in the merger, we the undersigned feel that in honor of his dedication and support in this community the newly built fieldhouse on the Washington-Marion Magnet High School campus should be duly named the ………. ROSCOE J. MOORE FIELDHOUSE The next item reviewed was policy revisions. Mr. Duhon noted that the revisions were in compliance to legislative action. Policy BH, School Board Ethics, was discussed. Policy change states that a School Board member acting on his/her own initiative without permission of the School Board is now statutorily prohibited from using his/her office or elected position to compel or coerce personnel decisions, or to compel or coerce an employee to make any decisions concerning benefits, work assignments, or organization membership.
The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:
The policy states: FILE: BH Cf: ABC
SCHOOL BOARD ETHICS
Recognizing that as a member of a public school board and that each Board member is filling a position of public trust, responsibility, and authority endowed by the State of Louisiana, the Board, individually and collectively, shall subscribe to the principles of the Louisiana School Boards Association, by which a school board member should be guided. In addition, certain actions of elected officials may be considered improper, and in some circumstances, illegal. Actions which may present a conflict of interest, acceptance of gifts, or solicitations, or gratuities, abuse of authority of office or position, and decisions regarding the employment of a family member of an official are all subject to statutory restrictions. The ethical conduct of Board members, as well as other designated officials, shall be in accordance with state law. NEPOTISM No member of the immediate family of an agency head shall be employed in his/her agency. No member of the immediate family of a member of a governing authority or the chief executive of a governmental entity shall be employed by the governmental entity, except that the School Board may employ any member of the immediate family of any Board member or the Superintendent as a classroom teacher provided that such family member is certified to teach. Each member of the Board which employs a member of the immediate family of a School Board member or the Superintendent shall recuse himself/herself from any decision involving the promotion or assignment of teaching location of the employee. The provisions above shall not prohibit the continued employment of any public employee nor shall it be construed to hinder, alter, or in any way affect normal promotional advancements for such public employee where a member of a public employee's immediate family becomes the agency head of such public employee's agency, provided that such public employee has been employed in the agency for a period of at least one year prior to the member of the public employee's immediate family becoming the agency head. PROHIBITED TRANSACTIONS Any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, with limited exception as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '42:1120, from participating in a transaction in which he/she has a personal substantial economic interest of which he/she may be reasonably expected to know involving the governmental entity. Also, any School Board member, Superintendent, or employee is prohibited by state law, except as provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '42:1120, from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity in which, to his/her actual knowledge, any of the following persons has a substantial economic interest: (1) Any member of his/her immediate family.
(2) Any person in which he/she has a substantial economic interest of which he/she may reasonably be expected to know.
(3) Any person of which he/she is an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee.
(4) Any person with whom he/she is negotiating or has an arrangement concerning prospective employment.
(5) Any person who is a party to an existing contract with such public servant, or with any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, or who owes any thing of economic value to such public servant, or to any legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns an interest in excess of twenty-five percent, and who by reason thereof is in a position to affect directly the economic interests of such public servant.
Every public employee shall disqualify himself/herself from participating in a transaction involving the governmental entity when a violation of state law would result. ABUSE OF OFFICE No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to provide himself/herself, any other public servant, or other person with any thing of economic value. No School Board member, Superintendent, or employee shall use the authority of his/her office or position, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any person or other public servant to engage in political activity. No School Board member shall act in an individual capacity without the authorization of the School Board to use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any personnel decision, including the promotion, discipline, discharge, or assignment of work to any school employee. No School Board member shall use the authority of his/her office or position as a member of the School Board, directly or indirectly, in a manner intended to compel or coerce any school employee to make any decision concerning benefits, work assignment, or membership in any organization. TRANSACTIONS AFTER TERMINATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE No former agency head or elected official shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service as the head of such agency or as an elected public official serving in such agency, assist another person, for compensation, in a transaction, or in an appearance in connection with a transaction, involving that agency or render any service on a contractual basis to or for the Board. No former member of the School Board shall, for a period of two (2) years following the termination of his/her public service on such Board, contract with, be employed in any capacity by, or be appointed to any position by the Board. DEFINITIONS Agency means a department, office, division, agency, commission, board, committee, or other organizational unit of a governmental entity. For public servants of political subdivisions, it shall mean the agency in which the public servant serves, except that for members of any governing authority and for the elected or appointed chief executive of a governmental entity, it shall mean the governmental entity.
Agency head means the chief executive or administrative officer of an agency or any member of a board or commission who exercises supervision over the agency.
Immediate family as the term relates to a public servant means his/her children, the spouses of his/her children, his/her brothers and their spouses, his/her sisters and their spouses, his/her parents, his/her spouse, and the parents of his/her spouse.
Public servant means a public employee or an elected official.
Political activity means an effort to support or oppose the election of a candidate for political office in an election.
Substantial economic interest means an economic interest which is of greater benefit to the public servant or other person than to a general class or group of persons, except:
(a) The interest that the public servant has in his/her position, office, rank, salary, per diem, or other matter arising solely from his/her public employment or office.
(b) The interest that a person has as a member of the general public.
Transaction involving the governmental entity means any proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, case, or other such particular matter which the public servant or former public servant of the governmental entity in question knows or should know:
(a) Is, or will be, the subject of action by the governmental entity.
(b) Is one to which the governmental entity is or will be a party.
(c) Is one in which the governmental entity has a direct interest. A transaction involving the agency of a governmental entity shall have the same meaning with respect to the agency.
Revised: October, 1997 Revised: November, 1999 Revised: August, 2003
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:81, 17:428, 42:1101, 42:1102, 42:1116, 42:1119, 42:1121.
Next, policy CEA, Superintendent Qualifications was discussed. Policy change states that initial certification requirements for a Superintendent’s position now include earning a passing score on the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) as approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).
The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:
The policy states: FILE: CEA Cf: ABE, CE
SUPERINTENDENT QUALIFICATIONS
The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall elect a Superintendent for the school system who has met or has been certified as meeting the requirements for superintendency certification as set by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). Additional qualifications may be stipulated by the Board. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The minimum criteria required for superintendency certification are the following: A. Hold a valid Louisiana Level 2 Educational Leader Certificate.
B. Have had five (5) years of successful administrative or management experience in education at the level of principal or above, or experience certified as equivalent to any of these by BESE.
C. Hold an earned master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
D. Have completed forty-eight (48) semester hours of graduate credit, to include the following:
1. Thirty (30) semester hours in educational administration and supervision of instruction;
2. Twelve (12) semester hours in professional education; and
3. Six (6) semester hours of electives from cognate fields outside professional education related to educational administration and supervision in business, political science, psychology, sociology, or speech.
E. Satisfactorily passed the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) as approved by BESE in keeping with state requirements.
Applicants for the position of Superintendent shall be required to provide assurance that certification for the position is current and valid. Revised: August, 2003
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:7.1, 17:54; Louisiana Standards for State Certification of School Personnel, Bulletin 746, Louisiana Department of Education.
Next, policy GBRHA, Sabbatical Leave was discussed. Policy change states that effective August 15, 2003, teachers are no longer required to have 25 days or less of regular sick leave in order to be eligible for a medical sabbatical leave.
The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:
The policy states: FILE: GBRHA
SABBATICAL LEAVE
The Calcasieu 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 or school psychologist employed by the Board who holds a valid professional auxiliary certificate in school social work or school psychology issued by the State Department of Education. MEDICAL SABBATICAL LEAVE 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. SABBATICAL LEAVE FOR PROFESSIONAL OR CULTURAL IMPROVEMENT 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. 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.
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 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 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, 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 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.
GUIDELINES FOR WAIVING INTENTION TO RETURN TO SERVICE CLAUSE 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.
Revised: December, 1997 Revised: August, 1999 Revised: August, 2003
Next, policy JCDAB, Dangerous Weapons was discussed. It was recoded from JCDAB and JCDAE to JCDAB.
The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:
The policy states: FILE: JCDAB Cf: JCAB, JDD, JDE
DANGEROUS WEAPONS The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall authorize the principal of each school to automatically suspend, and recommend expulsion for, any student found in possession of a dangerous weapon on the school grounds, on school buses and/or at any school-sponsored event, at any time, during or after regular school hours, with limited exception. A dangerous weapon means any gas, liquid, or other substance or instrumentality, which in the manner used, is likely to produce death or great bodily harm. When the student is found in possession of a weapon, the Superintendent shall be immediately notified and the principal shall take appropriate disciplinary action. If a student is detained for carrying, or the principal or designee confiscates or seizes a firearm or concealed dangerous weapon from a student while on school property, on a school bus, or at a school function, the principal or school official shall immediately report the detention of the student or seizure of the firearm or weapon to the police department or sheriff's office where the school is located and shall deliver any firearm or weapon seized to that agency. Failure to report the detention of the student or seizure of a firearm or concealed weapon by a principal or school official to a law enforcement agency within seventy-two (72) hours may result in a misdemeanor offense with a fine of up to $500 or a sentence of up to 40 hours of community service, or both. If a student is detained for carrying a concealed weapon on campus, the principal shall immediately notify the student's parents. It is unlawful for a student or nonstudent to intentionally possess a firearm or dangerous weapon on school property at a school sponsored function or within 1000 feet of school property or while on a school bus at any time. The area surrounding the school campus or within 1000 feet of any such school campus, or within a school bus shall be designated firearm-free zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the State Department of Education, shall designate and mark firearm-free zones which surround all schools and school property.
Revised: November, 1989 Revised: December, 1992 Revised: November, 1993 Revised: October, 1994
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:2, 14:95, 14:95.2, 14:95.6, 17:416, 17:416.3.
Next, policy JD, Discipline was discussed. Policy change removed the section of electronic telecommunication devices.
The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:
The policy states:
FILE: JD Cf: IDDF, JBE, JCD Cf: JD-R, JDD, JDE, JDF
DISCIPLINE The Calcasieu Parish School Board recognizes the necessity for reasonable control and discipline over the conduct of pupils under its jurisdiction. Every teacher in the public school system shall endeavor to hold each pupil to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school, or on the playgrounds of the school, on the street or while going to or returning from school, or during intermission or recess. To assist the teacher, the Board shall establish regulations for the use of disciplinary measures within the schools and continually monitor and appraise their usefulness. Principals shall have both the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of any pupil(s) materially interferes with or substantially disrupts the maintenance of a proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or other parts of the school. However, no pupil shall be disciplined in any manner by the School Board or school administrator, teacher, or other school employee for the use of force upon another person when it can be reasonably concluded that the use of such force more probably than not was committed solely for the purpose of preventing a forcible offense against the pupil or a forcible offense provided that the force used must be reasonable and apparently necessary to prevent such offense. A pupil who is the aggressor or who brings on a difficulty cannot claim the right stated above to defend himself/herself. Each teacher may take disciplinary action to correct a pupil who disrupts normal classroom activities, who is disrespectful to a teacher, who willfully disobeys a teacher, who uses abusive or foul language directed at a teacher or another pupil, who violates school rules, or who interferes with an orderly education process. The disciplinary action taken by the teacher shall be in accordance with such regulations and procedures established by the Board. STUDENT REMOVAL FROM CLASSROOM A pupil may be immediately removed from a classroom by the teacher and placed in the custody of the principal or designee if the pupil's behavior prevents the orderly instruction of other pupils, poses an immediate threat to the safety of pupils or the teach |