TANGIPAHOA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
January 8, 2002
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, January 8, 2002, at 6:30 p.m., in the School Board Meeting Room, School Board Office, 313 East Oak Street, Amite, Louisiana, with President Carl Bardwell, Presiding.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sandra Bailey, Tony P. Ardillo, Jr., Robert Caves, Al Link, Carl Bardwell, Donnie Williams, Maxine Dixon, and
Leroy Hart
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
President Bardwell gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
There were no requests for public input.
At this time, the floor was declared open for nominations for the office of President of the School Board for the year 2002.
Mr. Caves nominated Mr. Al Link for the office of President. There was a unanimous second. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Mr. Al Link was elected as President of the School Board by acclamation.
President Link assumed the gavel.
On behalf of the Board Members, President Link presented outgoing President Bardwell with a plaque adorned with a gavel, in recognition of his dedicated service as President during the year of 2001.
Mr. Bardwell stated that it was an honor to have served as the President during the past year. He thanked his fellow Board Members, the Superintendent and his staff, for their support.
President Link thanked the Board Members for their support and stated that he looked forward to working with them this year.
President Link stated that the floor was now open for nominations for the office of Vice President of the Board.
Mr. Caves nominated Mr. Carl Bardwell for Vice President, Ms. Dixon seconded the motion. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Mr. Bardwell was elected Vice President of the School Board by acclamation.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Bardwell, to approve the Board Minutes of December 4, 2001 as distributed. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Kolwe introduced Mr. John Norris who spoke to the Board regarding the Third Party Administrators Service.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Williams to terminate the services of Littleton Risk as Third Party Administrator, effective February 1, 2002. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Caves, to authorize Mr. Norris to negotiate with Corvel. This is a company that takes out of the hand of the Third Party Administrator re-pricing of medical bills. They are paid from the money that they save on medical bills; there is no direct charge. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to accept the staff recommendation, to select Mor-tem as Third Party Administrator, effective February 1, 2002.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Ardillo, to amend the original motion to state that the Third Party Administrator contract be awarded to Trinity. A roll call vote yielded the following results: Four (4) Yeas and Five (5) Nays; Yeas: Mr. Hart, Mr. Ardillo, Mr. Caves, and Mrs. Bailey, Nays: Mr. Richardson, Mr. Link, Mr. Williams, Ms. Dixon, and Mr. Bardwell. The amended motion failed.
Hearing no objection, the original motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the Finance Committee Report of December 4, 2001. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the Accounts Payable Check Register dated 11/07/01 11/28/01.
2. Approved Bid #01-45, Sale of Used School Buses. The staff recommendations were: Buses #1, 4 and 5 awarded to the high bidder Ricks Auto & Truck Parts ($50.00 each), Buses #2 and 3 awarded to the high bidder Daniel Houeye ($75.00).
3. Approved the staff recommendation to convert School Bus Allowances from W-2 to 1099 wages.
4. Ms. Lisa Ippolito Marsh Advantage America, gave the results of her review of the proposal submitted for the Group Voluntary Benefits. This information will be submitted to the full Board later on this date.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Williams, to waive the rules to discuss an item from the Finance Committee Meeting held prior to the Board Meeting. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Bardwell, seconded by Mr. Williams, to approve the staff recommendations for E-Rate Proposals for 2002-2003 networking equipment and services as listed below:
1. Cabling Costs SM Communications
2. Cisco Comparisons Dyntek
3. Maintenance Comparisons I-55 Internet Services
4. Server Comparisons BellWether
Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted.
It was moved by Mr. Caves, seconded by Mr. Hart, to approve the Personnel Committee Report of December 19, 200l and Addendum 1 and 2. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following are the reports as approved:
December 19, 2001
Jody Crowe, Teacher Hammond High, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
Jamie Greer, Teacher, Hammond Westside Primary, effective January 7, 2001, Substitute
Tracee Spring Special Education Teacher Hammond Eastside Upper, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
Carlie Achord, From: Title VI Teacher Hammond Westside Primary, To: Teacher Nesom Middle, effective January 22, 2002, Probationary
Gina LaFauci From: Teacher Regular Program Hammond Westside Primary, To: Title VI Teacher Hammond Westside Primary, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
Carla Miller, Paraprofessional Special Education 5 ½ hours Hammond Westside Primary, effective January 22, 2002
Jessie Hart, Child Specific Attendant Hammond Westside Primary, effective January 22, 2002
Lonnie Tucker, From: 7 hour Special Education Paraprofessional Tucker Elementary, To: 6 hour Special Education Paraprofessional Tucker Elementary, effective December 3, 2001
7. ADVERTISE FOR
ACCOUNT CLERK CENTRAL OFFICE
8. LEAVES RESIGNATIONS RETIREMENTS
Leaves:
Sherrie Majeau, Teacher Tucker Elementary, extended sick leave due to maternity using sick days first March 4, 2002, effective December 5, 2001
Mary Adams, Teacher Amite Elementary, extended sick leave due to surgery using sick days first January 22, 2002, effective December 10, 2002
Rhonda Woodall, Teacher Perrin Early Learning Center, extended sick leave due to maternity using sick days first April 15, 2002, effective February 18, 2002
Joanie Booty, Teacher Sumner High, extended sick leave due to maternity using sick days first February 27, 2002, effective November 27, 2001
Frances Habisreitinger, Teacher Tucker Elementary, extended sick leave due to maternity using sick days first March 4, 2002, effective January 7, 2002
Darla Easley, School Bus Driver, extended sick leave due to illness using sick days first undetermined, effective October 15, 2002
Emily Bundscho, Teacher Ponchatoula High, straight leave without pay May 31, 2002, effective January 18, 2002
Valerie Jackson, Lunchroom Monitor Independence Elementary, straight leave without pay using sick days first due to maternity effective November 16, 2002
George McGary, Food Service Worker D.C. Reeves, straight leave without pay December 21, 2001, effective November 2, 2001
Kathryn Bruce, Teacher Perrin Early Learning Center, extended medical leave using sick days first due to illness June 1, 2002, effective January 28, 2002
Mary Henderson, Teacher Loranger Middle, extended medical leave due to illness February 7, 2002, effective December 17, 2001
Retirements:
Audrey Self, Technician B Hammond Westside, effective January 14, 2002
Fairba Cade, Teacher Spring Creek Elementary, effective January 19, 2002
Morris Bergeron, Skilled Trades Helper 1 Maintenance, effective January 12, 2002
Estella Williams, School Food Service Worker Amite High, effective December 22, 2001
Robin Zahn, Paraprofessional Tucker Elementary effective October 17, 2001
Resignations:
James Morris, Teacher Loranger High, effective January 18, 2002
Kimberly Clements, Teacher Loranger Elementary, effective January 22, 2002
Amy Freeman, Teacher Ponchatoula High, effective January 22, 2002
Joe Huszar, From: Trades Helper Carpenter, To: Skilled Trades Worker Carpenter, effective January 9, 2002
Leaves:
Cora Morris, Principal Loranger Middle, extended sick leave using sick days first due to surgery Fall 2002, effective February 28, 2002
Patti Duke, Teacher Hammond Eastside Upper, extended sick leave using sick days first due to illness Fall 2002, effective January 22, 2002
Retirements:
Patricia Neihaus, Paraprofessional Perrin Early Learning Center, effective October 12, 2001
1.
TEACHER NEW HIRE:
Lisa Milton, Teacher Perrin Early Learning Center, effective January 28, 2002, Substitute
Brandon Carter, Teacher Hammond Eastside Upper, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
Gwen Davis, Teacher Loranger High, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
Joelle Pugh, Teacher- Vinyard Elementary, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
2.
TEACHER REHIRE:
Melissa Tallo, Special Education Gifted Teacher Hammond Eastside Upper, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
3. TEACHER TRANSFER:
Victoria Bethel, From: Kindergarten Teacher Perrin Early Learning Center, To: Regular Program Teacher Spring Creek, effective January 22, 2002, Substitute
Theresa Varnado, From: Special Education Teacher Spring Creek, To: Special Education Teacher Westside Middle, effective January 22, 2002, Tenured
4. SUPPORT PERSONNEL NEW HIRE:
Rochelle Washington, Child Specific Attendant 7 hours Roseland Elementary, effective January 7, 2002
5. LEAVES, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS:
Leaves:
Kathryn Bruce, Teacher Perrin Early Learning Center, extended medical leave using sick days first due to illness June 1, 2002, effective January 28, 2002
Cary Turner, Teacher Hammond Eastside Upper, straight leave without pay due to illness May 31, 2002, effective January 22, 2002
Resignations:
Tedoria Mearidy, Office Assistant III Central Office, effective January 7, 2002
Beverly Oliver, Lunchroom Monitor Spring Creek, effective January 7, 2002
Retirements:
Willine Burris, Janitor Kentwood Elementary, effective December 11, 2001
It was moved by Ms. Bailey, seconded by Mr. Richardson, to approve the Policy Committee Report of December 4, 2001, with corrections as indicated. Hearing no objection, the motion was unanimously adopted. Following is the report as approved:
1. Approved the new policy regarding Equipment Maintenance.
Policy ECF -Equipment
Maintenance
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and care of all equipment, vehicles, and any used or unused items in or on school Board property. The School Board shall delegate responsibility to the Superintendent to properly maintain all such property and equipment. The Superintendent shall make sure that the care of such property or equipment complies with applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, including building and fire safety code regulations, until such property or equipment is sold, leased or otherwise disposed of by the School Board.
2. Approved the revision of the policy regarding Curriculum.
Policy
ID -Curriculum
The
Tangipahoa Parish School Board has the responsibility to establish and maintain
a quality program of instruction for the elementary and secondary school of the
school district.
The
Superintendent shall be responsible for coordinating and maintaining the
instructional program in accordance with the provisions of the state
constitution, state statues, rules and regulations of the Louisiana Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the policies of the Board.
The
organization and scheduling of subjects in the curriculum of the school district
shall conform to the requirements of the Louisiana Department of Education. The
curriculum shall provide learning experiences and prospective achievement for
each child according to their individual needs and offer pupils a basic body of
understanding, attitudes, knowledge, and skills.
The curriculum design within the high schools shall consist of an academic major comprised of college preparatory courses and a career major comprised of challenging academic courses and modem vocational studies. Such a curriculum design shall allow each high school student to choose a career option at the high school level. By the end of the eighth grade each student, with the input of his/her family, shall develop a Five Year Educational Plan. Such a plan shall include a sequence of courses which is consistent with the stated goals for one year after graduation, and shall be reviewed annually thereafter by the student, parents and school supervisor, and revised as needed.
By July 1st
of each year, the School Board shall submit to the Louisiana Department of
Education a year-end evaluation of each Career major program.
ELECTIVES
The School
Board shall require a school choosing to add an elective course to its program
of studies to apply to the School Board at least sixty (60) days prior to the
anticipated date of implementation. The Board shall consider for approval the
elective course using the state standards for elective approval set forth by the
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. All approved courses shall be
submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education at least thirty (30) days
prior to implementation.
The application for an elective course shall be submitted by the principal and shall contain the following information:
Rationale for the course
detailed
outline of course content
time
requirements (minutes per day, days per year or semester)
detailed course objectives and methods by which they shall be measured
qualifications of the instructor
date the course is to begin and end
approximate number of students
criteria for enrollment, and
method for measuring effectiveness of course.
If the course is to be offered for the succeeding school year, an
end-of-year evaluation shall be sent on provided forms for determining its
continuation.
3. Approved the revision of the policy regarding Administration of Medication.
A.
Medication shall not be administered to any student without an order
from a physician or dentist licensed to practice medicine in Louisiana or an
adjacent state, or any other authorized prescriber authorized in the state of
Louisiana to prescribe medication or devices, and a letter of request and
authorization from the student's parent or guardian. The following information
shall be included:
1.
the student's name.
2. the name and signature of the physician, dentist or other authorized prescriber.
3.
physician's, dentist's, or other authorized prescriber's business
address, office phone number, and emergency phone numbers.
4. the frequency and time of the medication.
5. the route and dosage of medication.
6. a written statement of the desired effects and the child specific potential adverse effects.
B.
Medication shall be provided to the school by the parent or guardian in
the container that meets acceptable pharmaceutical standards and shall include
the following information:
1.
name of pharmacy.
2.
address and telephone number of pharmacy.
3.
prescription number.
4.
date dispensed.
5.
name of student.
6.
clear directions for use, including the route, frequency, and other as
indicated.
7.
drug name and strength.
8.
last name and initial of pharmacist.
9.
cautionary auxiliary labels, if applicable.
10.
physician's, dentist's, or other applicable prescriber's name.
VI. PARENT/GUARDIAN
1.
The parent/guardian who wished
medication administered to his/her student shall provide the following
information.
a.
name of student,
b.
clear instructions,
c.
RX number, if any,
d.
current date,
e.
name, dosage, frequency, and route of medication,
f.
name of physician, dentist, or other authorized prescriber,
g.
printed name and signature
of parent or guardian,
h.
emergency phone number of parent or guardian,
i.
statement granting or withholding release of medical information.
2.
Written orders for all medications to be given at school, including
annual renewals at the beginning of the school year.
A prescription for all medications to be administered at school,
including medications that might ordinarily be available over the counter.
A list of all medications that the student is currently receiving at home and school, if that listing is not a violation of confidentiality or contrary to the request of the parent/guardian or student.
A list of names and telephone numbers of persons to be notified in case of medication emergency in addition to the parent or guardian and licensed or authorized prescriber.
Arrangements for the safe delivery of the medication to and from school
in the original labeled container as dispensed by the pharmacist; the medication
shall be delivered by a responsible adult.
Unit dose packaging shall be used whenever possible.
4. Approved the revisions to the policy regarding Student Records.
FILE:
JR
The Board shall require all information regarding students and their
families to be collected, maintained, and disseminated under such safeguards as
are necessary to comply with state and federal law.
Parents and guardians have the
right to inspect and review any school records dealing with their children.
Students eighteen (18) years of age or older have the sole right to inspect and
review their respective student records Review and dissemination of any student
information shall b conducted under strict statutory precautions. Student
records conducted are defined to be all official records, files, documents,
and other materials directly related to children, including all material that is
incorporated into each student's cumulative record folder, and intended for
school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system.
Such items include, but are not necessarily limited to, identifying data,
academic work completed, grades, standardized test scores, attendance data,
scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests, and
health data.
ANNUAL
NOTIFICATION
All parents/guardians shall be
notified annually of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). Such notification shall be made annually by
publication in student handbooks newsletters, notification to student's home by
students, by mail, or publication in the official journal, or in such manner as
deemed appropriate by the Board.
DIRECTORY
INFORMATION
Information
classified as directory information may be disclosed from a student's record
without the written consent of the parent or eligible student. Directory
information has been designated by the School Board to include the student's
name address, telephone number, date and place of birth, grade level, major
field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports,
weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and
awards received, most recent previous school attended and photograph or video. A
parent or eligible student may refuse to allow the Board to designate any or all
types of information about the student as directory information thus prohibiting
its release to the public. After proper notice, a parent or eligible student
shall have thirty (30) days in which to notify the School Board as to which
types of information about the student shall not be designated as directory
information.
ACCESS TO RECORDS
1. The parent or legal guardian of a student will have access to student records upon written request to the principal maintaining those records within the school system.
If the
student is eighteen (18) years or older, only the student has the right to
determine who, outside the school system, has access to his/her records.
The
parent, legal guardian or student, if the student is 18 or over, will, upon
written request to the principal maintaining those records, have the opportunity
to receive an interpretation of those records, have the right to question those
data, and if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a
letter in said cumulative folder stating their position. If further challenge is
made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by Board policy
will be followed.
2.
School personnel having access to those data are defined as any person or
persons under contract to the system and directly involved in working toward
either the affective or cognitive goals of the system.
RELEASE
OF INFORMATION OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM
1. To
release student records to other schools or school systems in which the student
intends to enroll, the parents, legal guardian or the student, if he/she is
eighteen (18) years or over, must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of
information being released. They shall receive a copy of such information if it
is requested in writing and shall have the opportunity to challenge that record
as described above.
2.
Those data may be released to State Education and other governmental
agencies only if the names and all identifying markings are removed to prevent
the identification of individuals.
3.
To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent
shall be given by the parent, legal guardian or the student if he/she is 18 or
older. Such consent form shall state which records shall be released, to whom
they shall be released and the reason for the release. A copy of the student
record being sent shall be made available to the person signing the release
forms if he/she so desires.
4.
Under no circumstances may a school or school district refuse to promptly
transfer the records of any child withdrawing or transferring from the school.
Transfer of records shall not exceed forty-five (45) days from the date of
request, or ten (10) business days from the date of a written request by any
authorized individual of an educational facility operated within any
correctional or health facility in or out of Louisiana.
5.
Student records shall be furnished in compliance with judicial orders, or
pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena if the parents, legal guardian and
students are notified in advance.
6. All authorizations for release of information shall be filed in the student cumulative folder.
7.
The School Board and
employees may disclose education records or information from education records, without
the consent of the parent or guardian of the student who is the subject of
the records, to certain law enforcement officials. Disclosure of such records or
information shall be in accordance with the following provisions:
a.
Disclosure of education records
or information from education records shall only be made to state or
local law enforcement officials or to other officials within the juvenile
justice system.
Verification of the official's position may need to be made before the disclosure of records or information.
b. The disclosure of the education record or information must relate to the ability of the juvenile justice system to serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records or information is to be disclosed.
c. The officials to whom the records or the information are disclosed shall certify in writing student's name, person, and any agency or organization with which that person is affiliated, shall keep the personally identifiable portions of the records or the information confidential and shall not disclose the personally identifiable portions of the records or the information to any person, agency, or organization except a person, agency, or organization within the Juvenile justice system having an independent right to the information.
d. Any other provisions necessary to comply with federal law or rules.
REVIEW OF STUDENT RECORDS BY THE PARENT
1. Schools shall provide for the review of student records by parents or guardians. Parents and students shall be given notification of their right to review the student records.
2.
A parent or guardian who desires to review his/her child's record shall
contact the school for an appointment. A conference shall be scheduled as soon
as possible, not to exceed one month. The disclosure record shall be completed
at the time of the conference.
Prior to
the scheduled conference, the principal shall review the record for accuracy and
completeness.
3.
The record shall be examined by the parent in the presence of the
principal or a designated professional person.
The principal or a designated professional person shall provide the parent an opportunity to raise questions regarding information on the records.
A record of
the review shall be made on the disclosure record.
4.
If the parent or guardian requests a hearing to challenge information
contained in the student's folder, a written request for the hearing shall be
made and a hearing scheduled for a date not less than three (3) working days or
more than two (2) weeks from the date of the requests.
a.
The hearing shall be held with
the principal and the parent or guardian at the scheduled time.
b.
If the parent or guardian is not
satisfied with the hearing with the principal, he/she shall have the opportunity
to appeal the decision to the Superintendent or designee(s).
c.
The parent or guardian
shall request the appeal in writing to the Superintendent. Upon receipt of said
request, the Superintendent shall schedule a hearing within
ten
(10) working days following receipt of the parent's request. The date, time and
place of the review hearing shall be sent to the parent or guardian by United
States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.
5. At the review hearing:
a. The Superintendent or designee shall preside;
b.
The parent or guardian and the principal shall be present. The student
shall be present if requested by the parent or guardian or school official;
c. The decision of the hearing shall be communicated to the school and parent or guardian in writing within ten (10) working days;
d.
The parent shall have the right to file a dissenting statement concerning
the hearing; such statement shall become part of the student's cumulative
folder.
1. Approved the revision of the policy regarding Student Fees, Fines and Charges.
Policy
JS -Student Fees. Fines and Charges
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board may impose student fees or charges to help offset special costs incurred in the operation of specific classrooms or subjects. No students shall be deprived of proper instruction should the student not be able to pay any student fees, however.
The School
Board may require parents and/or legal guardians to compensate the school
district for lost, destroyed, or unnecessarily damaged books and materials, and
for any books which are not returned to the proper schools at the end of each
school year or upon withdrawal of their dependent child. Under no circumstances
may a student of school age be held financially responsible for fees associated
with textbook replacement.
Compensation
by parents or guardians may be in the form of monetary fees or community/school
service activities, as determined by the School Board. In the case of monetary
fees, fines shall be limited to no more than the replacement cost of the
textbook or material, but may, at the discretion of the Board, be adjusted
according to the physical condition of the lost or destroyed textbook. A school
system may waive or reduce the payment required if the student is from a family
of low income and may provide for a method of payment other than lump-sum
payment.
In lieu of
monetary payments, both school systems and parents/guardians may elect to have
students perform school/community service activities, provided that such are
arranged so as not to conflict with school instructional time, are properly
supervised by school staff, and are suitable to the age of the child.
Under no
circumstances may a school or school district refuse the parent/guardian the
right to inspect relevant grades or records pertaining to the child nor may the
school or school district refuse to promptly transfer the records of any child
withdrawing or transferring from the school, per requirements of the Federal
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Approved the revision of policies regarding Administrative Records, Contracts and Compensation, Employment of Personnel, and Personnel Records.
Policy CN -Administrative Records
School district records are public records and are available for inspection by any person at reasonable times during working hours. However, certain school documents, such as pupil school health records, pupil report cards, supervisory reports on teachers, budget worksheets, and
personnel folders are in the category of privileged information and are not public records. Access to or release of privileged information such as pupil or personnel records, shall be governed by appropriate regulations and procedures.
No copies
of school district records shall be copied on school system equipment or
duplicated at a cost to the system unless it is for official school business. No
official records are to leave the school or district premises unless it is for
official school business. There shall be no obligation to the school system to
reproduce any school records except for appropriate official agencies. Copies of
school district records shall be made at the expense of the person making the
request, unless specifically required by appropriate official agencies.
Duplication of records classified as privileged information shall not be
permitted
Any person
may request in writing, a time to see such public records at a mutual, agreeable
time with the office of the Superintendent and such time and place will be
mutually stipulated during normal working hours. Any request to view records
shall clearly state the specific records desired.
Notwithstanding
any other provisions of law or rules or regulations to the contrary, the School
Board, upon majority vote of the total Board membership, shall have the right to
examine any or all records of the school system.
EMPLOYEES' SOCIAL SECURITY
NUMBERS
Except as
required by applicable law, regulation, or policy of the Louisiana Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), the School Board shall not use the
social security number of a teacher or school employee as a means of
identification for such teacher or employee. The teacher or employee shall not
be required to include or provide his/her social security number on any form or
other written document unless:
1. A social security number is required by any applicable law, regulation or policy of BESE; or
2.
The form or written document is required for employment, retirement,
application for leave or an individualized education plan.
The School
Board or any school official or employee shall not provide access to any form or
document on which the social security number of a teacher or school employee
appears to any person other than the following:
1. Any
official or employee of the school at which the teacher or school employee
works, the School Board, or the Louisiana Department of Education, when such
access is necessary for the performance of the duties and responsibilities of
the official or employee.
2. Any person authorized to have such access by the teacher or school employee.
PRESERVATION OF RECORDS
All
persons and public bodies having custody or control of any public record, other
than permanent records required by existing law to be kept for all time, shall
exercise diligence and care in preserving the public record for the period or
periods of time specified for such public records in formal records retention
schedules developed and approved by the state archivist and director of the
division of archives, records management, and history of the Department of
State. In all instances in which a formal retention schedule has not been
executed, such public records shall be preserved and maintained for a period of
at least three (3) years from the date on which the public record was made.
However, when copies of an original record exist, the original alone shall be
kept; when only duplicate copies of a record exist, only one copy of the
duplicate copies shall be required to be kept. When an appropriate form of the
micro photographic process has been utilized to record, file, and otherwise
preserve such public records, with microforms produced in compliance with
statutory provisions, the microforms shall be deemed originals in themselves,
and disposition of original documents which have been micro photographically
preserved and of duplicates and other copies thereof shall proceed in accordance
with state law.
All existing records or records hereafter accumulated by the Board, which participates in federal programs or receive federal grants, may be destroyed after three (3) years from the date on which the records were made in those cases where this provision is not superseded by guidelines for the operative federal program or grant requiring longer retention periods for the records in question; provided that these records shall not be destroyed in any case where litigation with reference thereto is pending, or until the appropriate state or federal audits have been conducted.
FILE:
GBA
CONTRACTS
AND COMPENSATION
CONTRACTS
The Tangipahoa Parish School Board and its professional employees, with approval by the Board. shall enter into contracts of employment for a specified period of time and compensation, with exceptions as determined by the Board. Unless otherwise stipulated at the discretion of the Board, all employees shall meet all stated position qualifications and/or certification requirements before any contract shall become valid. Renewal or issuance, when possible, of contracts of employment, as well as dismissal or nonrenewal of contract notices, with the exception of performance contracts shall be issued on or before the last day of each school year, whenever possible.
The
execution of an employee contract by the Board and employee shall be legally
binding upon both parties. Regular permanent teachers who have gained tenure may
not be required to sign a written contract each scholastic year, but shall be
required to sign such employment contract at intervals determined by the Board.
The failure of a non-tenured teacher to sign a contract for the ensuing school
session within the specified time, when required, shall be considered as
voluntary termination of employment on the part of the teacher, unless under
extenuating circumstances, an extension is granted by the Superintendent. Any
subsequent resignation or termination of said contract for reasons other than
extreme emergencies, as determined by the Board, shall constitute a breach of
contract against which legal action may be taken by the Board and the employee
dealt with accordingly. The Board shall empower the Superintendent to receive,
finalize, and accept all resignations of school employees. However, the
Superintendent at the next available meeting shall report said resignations to
the Board.
The
Superintendent shall sign each teacher contract.
Performance
Contracts
Persons newly appointed or employed in administrative or supervisory positions that require certification shall be placed on two (2) year employment contracts, except when such employment is for a temporary position. Upon renewal, the employee contract shall be for three (3) years. The Board shall make the final decision regarding the length of any such performance contract. Termination or nonrenewal of any performance contract shall require notice of such to the employee of not less than 120 days prior to the termination of the contracts.
COMPENSATION
Salary Schedules
The
salaries of all personnel shall be established by the Board upon a
recommendation of the Superintendent.
The
salaries of all personnel are generally based upon an established salary
schedule; provided, however, that salaries may be stated in and controlled by an
employment contract. Creditable service for salary determination purposes shall
be all service for which employees are
eligible to receive credit in
accordance with statutory provisions. Salary schedules shall be adopted by the
Board, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, and may be changed at the
discretion of the Board from year to year to make salary adjustments as a result
of changing revenue and state laws.
The amount
of the annual salary paid to any teacher in any school year shall not be reduced
below the amount of such salary paid during the previous school year, nor shall
the amount of the annual salary paid to any teacher be reduced at any
time during an academic year. The limitations on the reduction in the amount of
the annual salary paid to any teacher shall not be applicable to the correction
of any accounting errors or to a reduction necessitated by the elimination of a
state program or state funding. Any salary reduction shall not apply to any
local salary supplement funded, in whole or in part, from a revenue source
requiring voter approval, when such voter approval has not been obtained.
Ordinarily, no teacher shall be placed on the payroll of the school district
unless the teacher holds a valid certificate as required by law, and a copy of
the teacher's contract has been filed with the Superintendent. Exceptions shall
be made only when teachers with valid certification are not available for
employment, subject to Board approval.
Salary
Supplements
The Board, at its discretion, may allow salary supplements to certain instructional personnel who assume special duties. Such supplements shall be reviewed and adopted upon the recommendation of the Superintendent.
Experience
Credit
Any
teacher holding a valid Louisiana teaching certificate in the public school
system of Louisiana who has transferred to Louisiana from a public school system
of another state and who, at the time of such transfer, held a valid teacher's
certificate from that state, shall be given full credit under the state minimum
salary schedule for the years of satisfactory teaching service previously rendered in the public school
system of that state. Credit for previous teaching experience shall also be
granted to anyone employed by the Board who holds a valid Louisiana teaching
certificate and is employed or has been employed by another public school system
in the state.
Advanced Degree
When a
teacher is awarded an advanced degree after October 1 or receives additional
training that would result in an increase in salary, said teacher shall be paid
according to the salary schedule for the advanced degree or training beginning
with the next school semester following notification of receipt of the advanced
degree, or training. It shall be the responsibility of the employee to assure
proper notification is given to the Superintendent or designee.
Retirees
The salary
of any retiree who is employed as a full-time teacher shall be based on the
salary schedule which accounts for all prior years of teaching service and
pertinent experience. The status of any retiree who is reemployed shall be the
same as a full-time active employee, subject to all applicable rules,
procedures, policies, and statutes that apply to all such full-time active
employees.
SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
School employees are generally hired on an at-will employment basis unless employment is specifically covered by a written employment contract expressly entered into by the individual employee and the Board.
With
limited exception, the School Board shall be prohibited from reducing the hourly
wage or annual salary paid to any school employee for any school year below the
amount paid the school employee for the previous school year. The Board shall be
further prohibited from reducing the hourly wage or annual salary of a school
employee at any time during the academic year. For the purposes of this
subsection, school employee shall mean any employee of the School Board
that is not required to hold a teacher's certificate as a condition of
employment, including but not limited to, bus driver, food service worker,
teacher aide, custodian, and maintenance personnel.
COMPENSATORY TIME
The School
Board realizes that work requirements may necessitate active service on
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and before or after regular working hours.
Personnel who perform such active service will be given compensatory time off,
provided Superintendent or designee approval is given to the Office Manager as
in the case of all leaves. Excessive compensatory time requests will be subject
to review.
Supervisory personnel, professional staff, paraprofessionals, and non-hourly paid managers shall not receive compensatory time
The
Superintendent is empowered to adjust the work schedule to accommodate the most
effective production of the employees.
The
Tangipahoa Parish School System will not allow for the payment of any overtime
without the prior approval of the Superintendent or his designee. Employees must
have written authorization prior to overtime hours being worked in order for
their time to be considered.
GARNISHMENT OF WAGES
Based on a
judgment rendered by an appropriate court having jurisdiction, the wages or
salary of any employee of the Board may be garnished. The amount of wages or
salary to be garnished shall be reflected in the judgment. No garnishment shall
begin unless and until a proper judgment of garnishment has been presented to
the Board for compliance.
A
processing fee of three dollars ($3.00) shall be deducted by the employer from
non-exempt income of the employee for each pay period during which the judgment
of garnishment is in effect. The processing fee shall cover costs of the Board
in complying with the judgment of garnishment.
Policy GAK -Personnel
Records
The
Tangipahoa Parish School Board Shall require the maintenance of a uniform system
of personnel records for all employees. It shall be the responsibility of the
Superintendent designee to keep the records updated and complete in accordance
with statutory provisions. A School Board member or any other person authorized
pursuant to this policy shall be permitted to examine any and all records of the
school system, except school employee records relative to evaluations,
observations, formal complaints, and grievances. The Board, however, upon a
majority vote of the total Board membership, shall have the right to examine any
and all records of the school system, including personnel records.
employee,
the social security number of the employee shall be disclosed pursuant to such
provision of law.
Approved the new policy regarding students with a debit lunch balance.
BILLING AND COLLECTION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Pre-Kindergarten -Sixth (6th)
grades
POLICY:
Sufficient funds will be
available to cover reduced and paying meals served.
PROCEDURE:
1. Bills
will be sent home with the student the first working day of the month. The first
month's bill will include the months of August and September. Any credit
balances from the previous year will be deducted from this bill. If there are
any unpaid debts, they should be added to this bill and any future billing until
they are paid.
2.
A late notice will be sent to the parent within five (5) days after the
bill is sent. The late notice will advise the parent of the cut-off date for
their child to receive meals in the cafeteria unless the bill is paid. If the
parent has not paid the bill or made arrangements with the principal for payment
of the bill, the "Four Day Rule" will be implemented as follows:
Day 1:
Manager/cashier informs the
student that he/she does not have sufficient funds to pay for the meal, asks the
student to ask the parent to send the money the next school day, and puts a
delinquent notice in the teacher's mailbox.
Day 2:
Manager/cashier informs the
student she will not be able to serve him/her a meal on the next day without
money and she places a second delinquent notice in the teacher's mailbox.
Day 3:
The manager/cashier will send
the student to the office to resolve the problem with the principal. The
principal may:
1. Ask the student to
call the parent to bring money or lunch to the school.
2. Personally
contact the parent to bring money or lunch to the school.
3.
Ask the manager to provide the student with a carton of white milk and
graham crackers.
Day 4 and thereafter:
Without payment, the student will not be allowed to eat.
4.
A third notice, including a free lunch application, will be sent to the
parent expressing concern that the child is no longer eligible to eat in the
cafeteria and encouraging the parent to complete the free lunch application.
5.
If the parent fails to pay the bill, complete another free lunch
application, make other arrangements for meals (bag lunches) for their child, or
make arrangements with the principal for payment of the bill, the billing clerk
will advise the principal.
6.
The principal is ultimately responsible for the collection of payments.
The late notices sent to the parents (the bill and the late notice) are computer
generated.
The principal will send a late notice with his/her signature.
COLLECTION PROCEDURE Grades 7-12
1. Students
in the 7-12 grades pay for their meals daily. Limited credit will be extended to
these grades.
2.
If a student fails to bring their money, the Two Day Rule is to be
followed:
Day 1: A Delinquent Meal
Payment Notice will be given to the student. The manager will explain that if
they forget to bring their money for this meal the following day, they will not
be allowed to eat.
Day 2: The student must bring
money for the previous day, as well as the current day, or they will be refused
a meal.
7. Approved th