New Policy Alert - Oct-Dec 2024

Policy Updates: October – December 2024

The Zachary Community School Board has adopted a few new policies over the past months to comply with recently enacted state legislation. Most of these updates reflect adjustments required by law and aim to enhance transparency, student support, and operational efficiency in our schools. Here’s a summary:

Transparency and Public Access

Broadcasting of Meetings: Parishes with 25,000+ residents must now live-stream school board and committee meetings.

Impact: Increases accessibility and transparency for the public.

Consent Agendas for Meetings: Parishes with 125,000+ residents can streamline meetings by bundling 50+ items into consent agendas while still allowing for public comments.

Impact: Improves meeting efficiency while maintaining public input.

Student and Parent Support

Education of Students with Exceptionalities: Schools must provide information to parents about the legal transfer of rights during IEP meetings for eligible students.

Impact: Empowers families with critical knowledge of their rights.

Student Health Services: School nurses are now required to complete annual training on sickle cell disease.

Impact: Enhances the quality of health care provided to students.

Employee and Operational Policies

Employment of Superintendents: Superintendent contracts must now include performance evaluations.

Impact: Promotes accountability in leadership.

Personnel Records Confidentiality: Employee contact information, including home addresses, phone numbers, and emails, is now protected by law.

Impact: Ensures privacy and security for staff members.

Instructional Policies

Use of Pronouns and Given Names: Staff are not required to use names or pronouns inconsistent with a student’s legal name or biological sex.

Impact: Provides clear guidelines for staff and students.

Sex Education: Prohibits instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in grades K-12.

Impact: Establishes clear boundaries for classroom discussions.

Political Materials Policy (December 2024, District Level Update)

Political Campaign Materials and Solicitation: The use of school property or events for political campaign materials or solicitation is now prohibited.

Impact: Maintains neutrality and focuses school spaces on education.

As you review and questions arise, please feel free to reach out. Have a great New Year! We will see you soon.