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:

Establishing Naturelab.
Conducting an annual teachers’ institute.
Sponsoring the State Police PPG Summer Camp for fifty middle school students.
Fostering PPG+1.
Assisting in Calcasieu Parish Schools’ Quality In Education program.

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 19^th 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 8^th and 11^th grade students because these grades are

required to take Exit Exams in American History. The 8^th 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 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 teacher, or when a pupil exhibits disrespectful or threatening behavior toward a teacher. If removed, the student shall not receive credit for school work missed.

A pupil removed from class in kindergarten through grade 6 shall not be permitted to return to class for at least thirty (30) minutes unless agreed to by the teacher. A pupil removed from class in grades 7 through 12 shall not be permitted to return to class during the same class period, unless agreed to by the teacher initiating the disciplinary action.

Upon the pupil being removed from class and sent to the principal's office, the principal or designee shall conduct a counseling session with the pupil to discuss the particular misconduct. Once removed, the pupil shall not be readmitted to the classroom until the principal has implemented one of the following disciplinary measures:

a. In-school suspension

b. Detention

c. Suspension

d. Initiation of expulsion hearings

e. Assignment to an alternative school

f. Requiring the completion of all assigned school and homework which would have been assigned and completed by the pupil during the period of suspension.

g. Any other disciplinary measure authorized by the principal with the concurrence of the teacher or building level committee.

When a pupil has been removed from a classroom, the teacher may require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to have a conference with the teacher in the presence of the principal or his or her designee before the pupil is readmitted. Upon the pupil's third removal from the same classroom, the teacher and principal shall discuss the pupil's disruptive behavior and contemplated disciplinary measures to be taken before the principal implements such measures. If appropriate, a referral of the matter may be made to the appropriate building level committee. In addition, a conference between the teacher or other appropriate school employee and the pupil's parent, tutor, or legal guardian shall be required prior to the pupil being readmitted. If the disruptive behavior persists, the teacher may request that the principal transfer the pupil into another setting.

Whenever a teacher is struck by a pupil, the pupil, in addition to any other discipline given, shall be permanently removed from the teacher's classroom, unless the teacher objects, or unless the principal, with the concurrence of the building level committee, finds the striking incident to be entirely inadvertent.

PARENT CONFERENCES

In any case where a teacher, principal, or other school employee is authorized to require the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil to attend a conference or meeting regarding the pupil's behavior, and after notice, the parent, tutor, or legal guardian willfully refuses to attend, the principal, or his designee, shall file a complaint, in accordance with statutory provisions, with a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction. "Notice" of the conference, specifying the time and date of the conference, shall be given by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card or by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card.

REPORTS TO PRINCIPAL

Any teacher or other school employee may report to the principal any pupil who acts in a disorderly manner or is in violation of school rules, or any misconduct or violation of school rules by a pupil who may or may not be known to the teacher or employee. Incidents of alleged discipline violations shall be reported on two (2) forms, one form to report only school transportation-related incidents and one form to report all other incidents. The forms shall be submitted in accordance with procedures outlined by the Board, the Superintendent, and school system personnel. The principal shall review and act upon such information submitted, to determine if suspension or other disciplinary action is necessary.

Should the principal fail to act on any report of misconduct or school violation, he/she shall explain the reasons for doing so to the Superintendent or designee and to the teacher or school employee reporting the violation.

DELINQUENT STUDENTS

Pupils who regularly disrupt the normal school environment shall be considered as delinquent, and may be reported by appropriate school personnel to the juvenile court. Any pupil that exhibits disruptive behavior, an incorrigible attitude, or any other discipline problems in general, may be recommended by the principal for expulsion, assignment to an appropriate alternative education program, or transfer to adult education if the pupil is:

1. Seventeen (17) years of age or older with less than five (5) units of credit toward graduation;

2. Eighteen (18) years of age or older with less than ten (10) units of credit toward graduation; or

3. Nineteen (19) years of age or older with less than fifteen (15) units of credit toward graduation.

DEFINITIONS

In-school suspension means removing a pupil from his/her normal classroom setting but maintaining him/her under supervision of the school. Pupils participating in in-school suspension may receive credit for work performed during the in-school suspension. Any pupil who fails to comply fully with the rules for in-school suspension shall be subject to immediate suspension.

Detention means activities, assignments, or work held before the normal school day, after the normal school day, or on weekends. Failure or refusal by a pupil to participate in assigned detention shall subject the pupil to immediate suspension.

RECUSAL OF ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINE MATTERS

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

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

DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Discipline of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with policy JDF, Discipline of Students with Disabilities.

Revised: December, 1990 Revised: September, 1997

Revised: December, 1992 Revised: August, 1999

Revised: November, 1993 Revised: August, 2003

Revised: August, 1994

Ref: 42 U.S.C.A. '12012, et seq.; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:223, 17:224, 17:233, 17:416, 17:416.1; Pupil Appraisal Handbook, Bulletin 1508, State Department of Education.

Next, policy JDD, Suspension was discussed. Policy change states that

with the passing of Act 471, La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 17:416 has been amended to require students found with a knife with a blade of less than two (2) inches, be given at least an in-school suspension

The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:

The policy states:

FILE: JDD

Cf: JBC, JCD, JCDAB

Cf: JD, JD-R, JDE, JDF

SUSPENSION

The Calcasieu Parish School Board recognizes its authority to maintain good order and discipline within the schools of the school district. Therefore, the Board recognizes the principal's authority to suspend a pupil for a specified period of time in accordance with statutory provisions. The term of suspension may carry over into the next school year, when necessary, unless otherwise provided for in state statutes.

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

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

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

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

Any pupil, after being suspended on three (3) occasions for committing any suspendable offense during the same school session, shall, on committing the fourth offense, be expelled from the public schools of the parish until the beginning of the next regular school year, and the pupil's reinstatement shall be subject to review by the School Board.

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

Any parent, tutor, or legal guardian of a pupil suspended shall have the right to appeal to the Superintendent or his/her designee, who shall conduct a hearing on the merits. The decision of the Superintendent on the merits of the case, as well as the term of suspension, shall be final, reserving to the Superintendent the right to remit any portion of the time of suspension.

Any pupil suspended shall receive no credit for school work missed while suspended.

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

MANDATORY SUSPENSION

The principal shall be required to suspend a pupil who is found carrying or possessing a firearm, or a knife with a blade two (2) inches or longer, or other dangerous instrumentalities, or possesses, distributes, sells, gives, or loans any controlled dangerous substance governed by state law, in any form. Additionally, the principal shall immediately recommend the pupil's expulsion to the Superintendent, as state law has mandated expulsion for certain offenses, except in the case of a student in kindergarten through grade 5 who is found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade two (2) inches or longer, the principal may, but shall not be required to recommend the student's expulsion.

A student found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade less than two (2) inches in length may be suspended by the school principal, but, in appropriate cases, at a minimum, shall be placed in in-school suspension.

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

Whenever a pupil is formally accused of violating state law or school disciplinary regulations by committing battery on any school employee, the principal shall suspend the pupil from school immediately and the pupil shall be removed immediately from the school premises without the benefit of required procedures, provided, however, that such procedures shall follow as soon as practicable.

RECUSAL OF ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINE MATTERS

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

SUSPENSION NOT APPLICABLE

Suspension of a student shall not apply to the following:

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

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

SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Suspension of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with policy JDF, Discipline of Students with Disabilities.

Revised: December, 1992 Revised: September, 1997

Revised: August, 1994 Revised: August, 1999

Revised: December, 1995 Revised: August, 2003

Revised: July, 1996

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:223, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.3; Goss v. Lopez, 95 S.Ct. 729 (1973); Regulations for Implementation of the Exceptional Children's Act, Bulletin 1706, Louisiana Department of Education.

Next, policy JDE, Expulsion was discussed. Policy change states that students who are to be expelled for 12 or 24 months for having drugs may opt to participate full-time in a juvenile drug court program operated by a state court and placed in an alternative education program.

The committee approved the following policy revisions as presented:

The policy states:

FILE: JDE

Cf: IDDG, JBC, JCD

Cf: JCDAC, JD, JDD, JDF

EXPULSION

The Calcasieu Parish School Board may expel a pupil from school if an offense committed by the pupil is serious enough to warrant such action or is in violation of state law. Upon the recommendation for expulsion of a pupil by the principal, the Superintendent or designee shall conduct a hearing to determine the facts of the case and make a finding of whether or not the student is guilty of conduct warranting a recommendation of expulsion. Notification of the time, date, and place of the expulsion hearing shall be mailed to the parents. Following the hearing, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall notify the parents of the decision rendered.

At the hearing, the principal and/or teacher concerned may be represented by any person appointed by the Superintendent and the concerned teacher shall be permitted to attend and present any relevant information. Until the hearing, the pupil shall remain suspended.

Upon the conclusion of the hearing and upon finding the student guilty of conduct warranting expulsion, the Superintendent shall determine whether such student shall be expelled and the specified period of expulsion, or if other disciplinary action shall be taken. Unless otherwise stipulated by state statutes, the period of expulsion shall not be less than one school semester and may carry over into the next school year, if necessary. During an expulsion, the School Board shall place the student in an alternative school or in an alternative school setting unless the Board is exempt as provided by law from providing such alternative school setting.

The parent or tutor of the pupil may, within five (5) days after the decision to expel has been rendered, request the Board to review the findings of the Superintendent or designee at a time set by the Board. After reviewing the findings of the Superintendent or designee, the School Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the action of the Superintendent or designee.

Any pupil who is expelled shall receive no credit for school work missed while he/she is expelled.

MANDATORY EXPULSION

State law requires the Superintendent to expel a pupil for minimum periods of time if found guilty of certain offenses, as follows:

A. Any student, regardless of age, who is found guilty of being in possession of a firearm on school property, on a school bus or in actual possession at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of twelve (12) calendar months and shall be referred to the district attorney for appropriate action.

B. Any student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on a school bus or at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be expelled from school for a minimum of twenty-four (24) calendar months unless such student has agreed to participate and participates full-time in a juvenile drug court program operated by a court in Louisiana as required by the Board. Such student may be placed by the School Board in an alternative education program for suspended and expelled students approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

C. Any student who is under sixteen (16) years of age and in grades six (6) through twelve (12) and who is found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event pursuant to a hearing shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of twelve (12) calendar months unless such student has agreed to participate and participates full-time in a juvenile drug court program operated by a court in Louisiana as required by the Board. Such student may be placed by the School Board in an alternative education program for suspended and expelled students approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

D. Any case involving a student in kindergarten through grade five (5) found guilty of possession of, or knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school- sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be referred to the Board through a recommendation for action from the Superintendent.

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

Expulsion shall not apply to the following:

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

ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR EXPULSION

Pupils may also be expelled for any of the following reasons:

1. Any pupil, after being suspended for committing violations of any discipline policies or other rule infractions, depending on the severity of the behavior, may be expelled upon recommendation to the Superintendent by the principal and after an appropriate hearing is held by the Superintendent or designee.

2. Any student who is found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade which equals or exceeds two (2) inches in length.

3. In accordance with federal regulations, a pupil determined to have brought a weapon to a school under the Board's jurisdiction shall be expelled for a minimum of one calendar year. The Superintendent may modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis. A weapon, in accordance with federal statutes, means a firearm or any device which is designed to expel a projectile or any destructive device, which in turn means any explosive, incendiary or poison gas, bomb, grenade, rocket, missile, mine or similar device.

4. The conviction of any pupil of a felony or the incarceration of any pupil in a juvenile institution for an act which had it been committed by an adult, would have constituted a felony, may be cause for expulsion of the pupil for a period of time as determined by the Board; such expulsions shall require the vote of two-thirds of the elected members of the Board.

READMITTANCE FOLLOWING EXPULSION

In each case of expulsion, the school principal, or his or her designee, shall contact the parent, tutor, or legal guardian of the pupil to notify them of the expulsion, and establish a date and time for a conference with the principal or designee as a requirement for readmitting the pupil. Notice shall be given by sending a certified letter to the address shown on the pupil's registration card. Also, additional notification may be made by contacting the parent, tutor, or legal guardian by telephone at the telephone number shown on the pupil's registration card.

If the parent, tutor, or legal guardian fails to attend the required conference within five (5) school days of notification, the student may be considered a truant and dealt with according to all applicable statutory provisions. On not more than one occasion each school year when the parents, tutor, or legal guardian refuses to respond, the principal may determine whether readmitting the pupil is in the best interest of the pupil. On any subsequent occasions in the same school year, the pupil shall not be readmitted unless the parent, tutor, or legal guardian, court, or other appointed representative responds.

Any pupil expelled from school for items A, B, C, or D under Mandatory Expulsions above may be readmitted to school on a probationary basis at any time during the expulsion period on such terms and conditions as may be stipulated by the School Board. Readmission to school on a probationary basis shall be contingent on the pupil and legal guardian or custodian agreeing in writing to the conditions stipulated. Any such agreement shall contain a provision for immediate removal of the pupil from school premises without benefit of a hearing or other procedure upon the principal or Superintendent determining the pupil has violated any condition agreed to. Immediately thereafter, the principal or designee shall provide proper notification in writing of the determination and reasons for removal to the Superintendent and the pupil's parent or legal guardian.

A pupil who has been expelled from any school in or out of state shall not be admitted to a school in the school system except upon the review and approval of the School Board following the request for admission. To facilitate the review and approval for readmittance, the pupil shall provide to the Board information on the dates of any expulsions and the reasons therefor. Additionally, the transfer of pupil records to any school or system shall include information on the dates of any expulsions and the reasons therefor.

A pupil that has been expelled from any school in or out of state for possessing on school property or on a bus, a firearm, knife, or other dangerous weapon, or possessing or possession with intent to distribute or distributing, selling, giving, or loaning while on school property or a school bus any controlled dangerous substance shall not be readmitted to any school until the pupil has enrolled and participated in an appropriate rehabilitation or counseling program related to the reason(s) for the expulsion. The rehabilitation or counseling programs shall be provided by such programs approved by the juvenile or family court having jurisdiction, if applicable, or by the School Board. The requirement for enrollment and participation in a rehabilitation or counseling program shall be waived only upon the pupil attesting in writing that no appropriate program is available in the area or that the pupil cannot enroll or participate due to financial hardship.

RECUSAL OF ADMINISTRATOR IN DISCIPLINE MATTERS

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

EXPULSION OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Expulsion of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with policy JDF, Discipline of Students with Disabilities.

Revised: October, 1995

Revised: July, 1996

Revised: September, 1997

Revised: August, 2003

Ref: 18 U.S.C. 921, 20 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:416, 17:2092; Goss v. Lopez, 95. S. Ct. 729 (1973).

Next, policy JGC, Student Health Services was discussed. Policy change states that testing for the hearing and sight of students have been changed to anytime during the first semester of the school year. All first grade students, when sight tested, shall undergo color screenings as well.

The committee approved the policy revisions as presented.

The policy states:

FILE: JGC

Cf: JGC-AP

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

HEALTH CARE CENTERS

In order to provide adequate health care and services to students, the Calcasieu Parish School Board may authorize the establishment of student health care centers in the schools of the parish. Any health clinic established shall be supervised by a school nurse, who shall be licensed in accordance with state law. Health care centers shall provide services which include, but are not limited to the following: treatment of minor illness and injury, routine physical examinations, immunizations, referrals to alcohol and drug abuse prevention program counselors, and mental health services. No student shall receive any type of service unless the Parent/Legal Guardian Consent Form has been signed, returned to school, and has been filed in the clinic.

HEARING AND VISION SCREENING

The School Board, during the first semester of the school year, or within thirty (30) days after the admission of students entering school late in the session, shall test the sight, including color screening for all first grade students, and hearing of each and every student under their jurisdiction, except those students whose parents or guardians may object to such tests.

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

TESTING FOR DYSLEXIA

Upon the request of a parent, student, school nurse, classroom teacher, or other school personnel who has reason to believe that a student has a need to be tested for dyslexia, that student shall be referred to the school building level committee for additional testing. The Board may provide for additional training for school nurses to aid in identifying dyslexic students.

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

CATHETERIZATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PERFORMING NONCOMPLEX HEALTH PROCEDURES

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

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

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

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

The Board does not require any employee other than a registered nurse, licensed medical physician, or an appropriate licensed health professional to perform noncomplex health procedures until all the following conditions have been met:

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

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

(3) Following the training provided for in #2, no noncomplex health procedure, except screenings and activities of daily living such as toileting/diapering, toilet training, oral/dental hygiene, oral feeding, lifting, and positioning may be performed unless prescribed in writing by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state of Louisiana or an adjacent state. The employee, other than the registered nurse, licensed medical physician, or appropriate licensed health professional shall be required to complete, under the direct supervision or coordination of a registered nurse, a minimum of three (3) satisfactory demonstrations. Upon satisfactory completion of these noncomplex health procedures, the registered nurse, licensed medical physician, or appropriate licensed health professional and the trainee shall sign a standard form indicating that the trainee has attained the prescribed level of competency. A copy of this form shall be kept on file by the school system.

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

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

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

For the purposes of this policy, "employee" means any appropriate member of the education staff.

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING

Scoliosis screening is done to detect early spinal deviations

in children. This screening is done on all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Rescreening is done by the school nurse in conjunction with local orthopedic physicians/family practitioner. If the student should be referred for further examination, the parents are notified.

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

All girls in public junior and senior high schools shall be taught the proper procedure for breast self-examination and the need for an annual pap test for cervical cancer, in accordance with state law.

The following guidelines will govern instructions regarding breast self-examination and the pap test for cervical cancer:

1. A letter explaining the procedures to parents will be given to girls to take to their parents. A rejection slip allowing the parents to reject the instruction will be included. The girls will sign a roster stipulating receipt of the letter and will be responsible for returning any rejection slips to the schools where the slips will be filed with the roster. Girls with rejection slips will not receive the instruction. All girls without rejection slips on file shall be instructed provided that they receive the original letter. The school nurse will provide the letters for the parents and the class roster sheets to the schools.

2. Only a female school nurse will teach breast self-examination and the need for an annual pap test for cervical cancer.

3. Where practical, the class will be taught as a part of the health and physical education class. When this is not feasible, other arrangements will be made with the principal.

4. The classes will be taught to all girls in eighth and tenth grades.

5. A film showing the procedure for breast self-examination and the cervical pap test will be shown. The nurses will not use a live model. The film used in teaching does show exposed female breasts. A "Breast Self-Examination Model" will be used to demonstrate examinations procedures. Girls will not expose themselves for purposes of this class.

6. The nurse will emphasize that this is precautionary and that girls should see their doctors immediately if they notice anything unusual.

7. The nurses will not examine any girl requesting an examination, but will direct her to see her doctor.

8. A pamphlet on "Breast Self-Examination" will be given to each girl after the class is completed.

KNOWN HEALTH PROBLEMS

If a child has a known problem that is potentially serious and there is a method of helping the child and the school is denied an opportunity to help the child because the necessary materials are not made available, then the school cannot be held responsible to assist the child. Therefore, the child should be excluded from the school until said materials are made available.

Revised: December, 1990

Revised: December, 1995

Revised: December, 1997

Revised: March, 1999

Revised: August, 2003

Ref: Irving Independent School District v. Tatro, 104 S.Ct. 33371 (1984); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403, 17:170, 17:275, 17:435, 17:436, 17:2112, 40:31.3.

Next, policy JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices was discussed. Students may now possess cell phones and other electronic telecommunication devices, while in school, on campus, or in a school bus, but not use nor operate them unless authorized by the principal or his/her designee, except in an emergency.

The committee approved the policy revisions as presented.

The policy states:

FILE: JCDAE

Cf: JD

ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES

No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall use or operate any electronic telecommunication device, including any facsimile system, radio paging service, mobile telephone service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof or in any school bus used to transport public school students. A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension from school. Nothing shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic telecommunication device in the event of an emergency. Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

For purposes of this policy, the terms use and operation shall mean whenever the electronic telecommunication device is turned on.

Revised: August, 2003

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1.

Next, policy BBBE, Board Member Compensation & Expenses was discussed. Policy states that School Board members can be reimbursed for travel outside the jurisdictional boundaries of the Board, but only up to the limits the State of Louisiana has placed on state employees in its travel regulations.

The committee approved the policy revisions as presented.

The policy states:

FILE: BBBE

Cf: DJD

BOARD MEMBER COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES

The Calcasieu Parish School Board shall provide an expense allowance and provide for expense reimbursement for its members in accordance with state law. Board members shall 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 Board’s 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.

The President of the Board shall be entitled to receive one additional per diem allowance in his/her capacity as President.

Revised: November, 1993

Revised: August, 2003

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:56, 17:81.

On behalf of the committee, Mr. Duhon moved to approve the following policies as

presented:

BH, School Board Ethics

CEA, Superintendent Qualifications

GBRHA, Sabbatical Leave

JCDAB, Dangerous Weapons

JD, Discipline

JDD, Suspensions

JDE, Expulsion

JGC, Student Health Services

JCDAE, Electronic Telecommunication Devices

BBBE, Board member Compensation & Expenses

Mr. Robert called for discussion regarding policy revisions.

There was discussion relative to the use of cellular phones by students. Policy states that students must obtain permission from a school administrator to use cellular phones, except in an emergency. If the student does not adhere to the process as stipulated in the policy, discipline measures will be taken at the school level according to the school’s procedure. It was noted that emergency is defined as “may result in loss of life, injury or property damage.”

Next, the President recognized Martha Parnell, representative of Juvenile Justice

Services. Ms. Parnell expressed concern with the term “opt to participate” as stated

in the summary of policy JDE, Expulsion.

She reported that in order for students to participate in the juvenile drug court program,

they must qualify by meeting all requirements set forth by the court and not based

strictly on a voluntary basis. It was clarified that the policy does not include the

language “opt to participate.”

Mr. Robert called for a vote on the motion. The motion carried approving policies as

presented.

Mr. Duhon reported that the next item was brought to the committee due to the necessity of hiring five LPNs for the reminder of the school year. He stated that due to a state mandate, nurses must be present at the schools and available for students requiring Rectal Diastat. Other areas are being neglected due to the shortage of nurses and increased responsibilities. Ms. Mary Guillory introduced the 12 nurses and announced the schools they represent.

Dr. Diana LeBron from the Children’s Clinic stated that the drug Rectal Diastat is necessary for students who suffer from seizures. If a student has a doctor’s order for this drug, licensed medical personnel must be available to administer it. Rectal Diastat can stop a seizure within 5 to 10 minutes, thus preventing a visit to the emergency room.

Mr. Spruel stated that we are limited to who we can delegate the administering of Rectal Diastat. Discussion continued. Board members requested to know the source of funding to pay for the added nurses. Mr. Miller stated that the funding would come from grants and other sources. The information regarding payment of the additional nurses salaries was provided.

Mr. Duhon moved on behalf of the committee to approve hiring the additional nurses.

There was concern expressed regarding the funding process. It was noted that grant monies are temporary and a more definite source should be resolved.

It was noted that the State Board of Nurses would review the law in October, which mandates that a RN or LPN administer the medication. If the law were revised to allow non-nursing personnel to administer the Rectal Diastat, the cost factor would decrease considerably. Legal counsel emphasized that this issue is a liability situation, which the Board should act upon.

After considerable discussion, Mr. Andprepont called for the question.

Mr. Robert called for a vote to call for the question. Motion carried.

Next, Mr. Robert called for a vote on the motion from committee. Motion carried.

The next agenda item presented was Board Member Travel. The committee approved the proposal allowing Board members to attend the National School Board Convention, State School Board Convention or a meeting requesting their appearance by the state association. Other meetings involving out of state travel would require Board approval by majority vote. Mr. Duhon moved on behalf of the committee to approve Board member travel as presented.

There was concern expressed regarding restriction on Board travel and not for administration. It was noted that the policy should encompass all levels.

Mr. Andrepont made a motion, seconded by Mr. Falgout, to replace majority vote with two-thirds vote when addressing Board out-of-state travel requests.

Mr. Robert called for a vote on the motion as amended. Motion carried.

On motion by Mr. Duhon, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, the two-week layover period for the policies was waived. The policies will be effective immediately.

Mr. Duhon reported that there being no further business to discuss the meeting was adjourned.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

BID REPORTS

PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

Classroom Pods, Phase IV, Riverboat Funds, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Architect; Designer

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Ms. LaVergne and carried, permission to advertise for classroom pods, phase IV, riverboat funds, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, Architect; designer, was approved.

CORRESPONDENCE

Change Order Number Four (4) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to S.J. Welsh Middle School,” Phase I, School District Number 34 Bond Funds

On motion by Mr. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Pitre and carried, change order number four (4) for the project “Additions and Renovations to S.J. Welsh Middle School,” phase I, school district number 34 bond funds, project number 0262, for an increase of $5,177.00 and an extension of forty-four (44) days, Randy M. Goodloe, Architect, designer; James Palma Inc., contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number One (1) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Barbe Elementary School,” School District Number 34 Bond Funds

On motion by Mr. Tarver, seconded by Mr. Pitre and carried, change order number one (1) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Barbe Elementary School,” school district number 34 bond funds, project number 2003-22PC, for an increase of $64,871.00, C.R. Fugatt, AIA, designer; Picheloup Construction, contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number Six (6) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to Western Heights Elementary School,” School District Number 23 Bond Funds

On motion by Dr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, change order number six (6) for the project “Additions and Renovations to Western Heights Elementary School,” school district number 23 bond funds, project number 9917-C1, for an increase of $2,910.00, King Architects, Inc., designer; Miller and Associates, Inc., contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number Three (3) for the Project “Additions and Renovations to T.S. Cooley Elementary School,” School District Number 33

On motion by Mr. Bernard, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and carried, change order number three (3) for the project “Additions and Renovations to T.S. Cooley Elementary School,” school district number 33, project number 0261, for an increase of $2,066.52 and an extension of one (1) Day, Randy M. Goodloe, Architect, designer; Ribbeck Construction, contractor, was approved.

Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “Addition to Gymnasium at Bell City High School,” Capital Outlay Funds

On motion by Mr. Webb, seconded by Mr. Andrepont and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “Addition to Gymnasium at Bell City High School,” capital outlay funds, project number 2003-24PC, Moss Architects, Inc. designer, was approved.

Recommendation of Acceptance for the Project “Additions and Renovations to J.D. Clifton Elementary School,” Phase II, School District Number 31 Bond Funds

On motion by Ms. LaVergne, seconded by Mrs. Duhon and carried, recommendation of acceptance for the project “Additions and Renovations to J.D. Clifton Elementary School,” phase II, school district number 31 bond funds, project number EA 2002-8, Ellender Architects and Associates, LLC, designer; Ribbeck Construction Corporation, contractor, was approved.

Change Order Number Six (6) for the Project “New Field House for Westlake High School,” School District Number 23 Bond Funds

On motion by Dr. Stephens, seconded by Mr. Breaux and carried, change order number six (6) for the project “New Field House for Westlake High School,” school district number 23 bond funds, project number 9917-A56, for and increase of $10,038.41, King Architects, Inc., Designer; Lewing Construction Company, contractor, was approved.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

In School Isolation Report (Educational Services/Goal #7)

Based on a goal set by the Calcasieu Parish School Board and on a recommendation of the Calcasieu Parish Discipline Committee, an In School Isolation Program has been expanded to include thirty-nine schools for the 2003-04 school year. In past years several high schools and several Title I schools have supported ISI programs with staff members on the high school campuses or Para-professionals in the Title I schools.

Programs running from September until mid-May for 6 hours per day:

· Eight schools have programs five days a week.

· Four schools have programs three days a week.

· Fifteen schools have programs two days a week.

· Twelve schools have programs one day a week.

Eight high schools, eleven middle schools and twenty elementary schools house the thirty-nine programs.

There has been a favorable reaction to the program at the school level. School administrators now have an option of keeping a student at school, with an in-house consequence for an incident, instead of suspending the student from the campus.

Counselor State Awards

The following counselors received state awards from the Louisiana School Counselors’ Association:

Mitzi Wilkinson, R.W. Vincent – Louisiana Elementary School Counselor of the Year

Vicki Crawford, Vinton Middle – Louisiana Middle School Counselor of the Year

Jill Lockhart, Sulphur High – Louisiana High School Counselor of the Year

Congratulations to all of the counselors on this outstanding accomplishment. This is the first time all three divisions have won on the state level.

Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the Calcasieu Parish School System for its comprehensive annual financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the

area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

Mr. Bruchhaus, Chief Financial Officer, commended Mr. Dennis Bent, Director of Finance, and staff for this prestigious award. He reported that this is the fifteenth consecutive year they have been awarded this honor.

On motion by Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mr. Tarver and carried, it was recommended that Mr. Bent and staff be formally recognized at a Board meeting.

RECOGNITIONS AND CONDOLENCES

Mr. Bernard requested a letter of condolence to the family of Lee Fontenot, retired principal.

Mr. Breaux added that three of Mr. Fontenot’s children are educators, Brian Fontenot, Ruthie Whelan and Stella Ivy. He requested a letter of condolence to Angela Conner on the loss of her grandfather. Mr. Breaux extended his appreciation to Sheryl Abshire and the technology department staff for conducting the successful TnT conference. He stated that the attendees from the outlying parishes were amazed at the professionalism and level of technology that is demonstrated in our system.

Mr. Andrepont stated that the Director of the Junior Achievement organization attended the recent principal’s meeting and she commented how impressed she was with the meeting opening with prayer. He extended his appreciation to Charlene Chiasson, Public Information Officer, for her instrumental role in organizing the Partner In Education Program. It has proven to link our educational system with our community, thus having a positive impact. Mr. Andrepont commended staff for always being cooperative and addressing all issues.

Mr. Karr requested a letter of condolence to the family of Sammy Daugherty. Mr. Daugherty was a bus driver for the system.

Mrs. Duhon requested a letter of condolence to the family of Bruce Malvo, retired custodian at the Curriculum and Instruction offices. She invited the Board to the open house and dedication ceremony at John J. Johnson II Elementary School on Sunday at 3:30.

Reverend Franklin recognized Mary Morris, Reverend Leonard Burrell and Pastor Robert Owens for being in attendance at the meeting. He encouraged community involvement and possibly inviting local pastors to lead the meeting with the invocation.

SCHEDULE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Board Meeting – Tuesday, October 28, 5:00

Budget/Fiscal Management – Tuesday, November 4, 4:45

EXECUTIVE SESSION

On motion by Mr. Falgout, seconded by Mr. Breaux, and unanimously carried, the Board went into Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. The Board resumed regular open session at 7:25 p.m.

TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION

Personnel

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Dr. Stephens and unanimously carried, the following personnel changes were approved as recommended by the Superintendent:

Resignation

Jennifer Trahan, Teacher, Kennedy Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 10, 2003.

Maria Kelley, Teacher, Frasch Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 12, 2003. 2003.

Darlene Williams, Tutor, T.H. Watkins Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 26, 2003.

Elton Thomas, Janitor, Iowa High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 12, 2003.

Channa Dillard, Teacher, Brentwood Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 30, 2003.

Betty Montoya, Teacher, Sulphur High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective December 31, 2003.

Tracy McLemore, Teacher, Sulphur High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective August 12, 2003.

Karen Hardy, School Clerk, Washington-Marion High School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 19, 2003.

Marion Spikes, Teacher Aide, Pearl Watson Elementary School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective September 24, 2003.

Accepted other employment. Lori Smith, Clerk, Personnel Department.

Recommend that her resignation become effective October 10, 2003.

Jana Bowers, Librarian, F.K. White Middle School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective September 18, 2003.

Robert Palmer, Teacher, Molo Middle School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective October 3, 2003.

Keith Guillory, Janitor, Kennedy Elementary School.

Recommend that his resignation become effective October 9, 2003.

Jennifer Leger, Teacher, Dolby Elementary School.

Recommend that her resignation become effective October 31, 2003.

Retirement Notification

Candace Harrington, Teacher, S. J. Welsh Middle School.

Recommend that her retirement become effective December 5, 2003.

Glynn Delino, Teacher, LeBlanc Middle School.

Recommend that his retirement become effective October 10, 2003.

Maternity Leave

Tevya O’Quain, Teacher, St. John Elementary School.

Recommend that she be granted a maternity leave beginning September 15, 2003

until November 1, 2003.

Leave Without Pay

Stephanie Bubeck, Teacher, Special Services Department.

Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning September 29, 2003

until May 31, 2004.

Tracie Redmond, Cafeteria Technician, Ralph Wilson Elementary.

Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning September 17, 2003

until October 31, 2003.

Rena Spearing, Bus Aide, Drost Exceptional School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave without pay beginning October 20, 2003

until November 14, 2003.

Myra Thach, Teacher, F. K. White Middle School.

Recommend that her medical sabbatical leave be changed to leave without pay

beginning November 1, 2003 until May 31, 2004.

Marilyn Puckett, Teacher, College Oaks Elementary School.

Recommend that her leave without pay be extended until December 1, 2003.

Professional Development

Kelly Kinney, Math Teacher, Vinton Middle School.

Recommend that he be granted a leave for professional development for the

spring semester of the 2003-2004 school session.

Nancy Shirey, 6^th Grade Teacher, Leblanc Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave for professional development for the

spring semester of the 2003-2004 school session.

Lauren Travis, Gifted English Teacher, S. J. Welsh Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave for professional development for the

spring semester of the 2003-2004 school session.

Professional Development

Sophie Broxson, Computer Teacher, DeQuincy Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave for professional development for the

spring semester of the 2003-2004 school session.

Patricia Love, Art Teacher, Iowa High School.

Recommend that she be granted a leave for professional development for the

spring semester of the 2003-2004 school session.

Medical Leave

Beverly LeBouef, 6^th Grade Teacher, LeBlanc Middle School.

Recommend that she be granted a medical leave for the spring semester of the

2003-2004 school session.

Workers’ Compensation Claim

On motion by Mr. Pitre, seconded by Mr. Bernard and carried, legal counsel was

given authorization to settle claim number 246WCM.

Meeting Adjourned

On motion by Mr. Andrepont, seconded by Mr. Breaux and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

/s/Jude W. Theriot /s/Gregory P. Robert

Jude W. Theriot, Secretary Gregory P. Robert, President