FILE: JG
STUDENT WELFARE
While the Catahoula Parish School Board recognizes the potential for inappropriate behavior by students and/or adults toward the children enrolled in parish schools, it shall, to the best of its ability, take precautions and institute regulations and procedures to provide a safe and secure environment for its students in all public schools of the parish.
In its efforts to protect its students, the School Board shall require, at a minimum, the following:
No employee or volunteer shall be alone with a student in any classroom, office, meeting room, or other similarly enclosed area on school property unless during the full time of such interaction between the student and employee, another school employee, the student’s parent, or other authorized adult is present, or the student and employee are clearly visible by persons outside such area through either an open door or entrance, or through a window or other means that provides an unobstructed view of the student and employee.
Interactions may be permitted between:
a student and school counselor
a student and a school employee during the administration of a test when the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) precludes the presence of other individuals
a student and a school nurse or between a student and a school employee engaged in the performance of noncomplex health procedures
Any other interaction permitted as determined by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE)
Roles of employees, and especially of volunteers, in working with students shall be clearly documented. Volunteers shall sign an agreement form stating they understand the regulations and procedures governing contact with students and agree to any criminal background checks the School Board may require. Thorough training shall be given all employees and volunteers regarding the child abuse prevention program.
New policy: August, 2008
Approved: October 7, 2008
Revised: December 7, 2021
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:403, 17:7, 17:81.6, 23:161, 23:162, 23:163
La. Children's Code, Art. 603, Art. 609
Board minutes, 10-7-08, 12-7-21
Catahoula Parish School Board