School board hears new state criminal-history mandate that could force staff removals

School board members discussed a newly amended state law requiring schools to use the Louisiana child-abuse registry in hiring and employment oversight, and officials said the district is still working through how the law will be implemented. The matter was raised by Doctor Budd (legislative liaison), who warned the board that “if we don't do our due diligence, there is a financial penalty assessed to the school board itself of the equal amount of 1 year salary of a teacher.” He listed offenses covered by the law and said the statute imposes both administrative and criminal penalties for falsifying application information. District leadership said they are still gaining access to the registry and interpreting implementation details. The superintendent said the law “has been effective for about 4 days,” and staff were working to determine whether mere appearance on the registry will automatically affect employment or whether additional procedural steps apply. Board members asked whether the rule applies only prospectively. Staff said their reading is prospective to Aug. 1, meaning the district will begin checking the registry for employees and applicants from that date forward rather than retroactively reviewing all current employees. Staff also said the statute creates a duty for individuals to self-report if they appear on the registry. Discussion points included concern about due process if a name appears on the registry before adjudication and whether the list is publicly accessible. Staff replied that the registry is not publicly accessible and that the district is coordinating with the state Department of Children and Family Services and legal counsel to clarify deadlines and notification requirements. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; members requested staff follow up with details on timelines, access procedures and guidance about how the district will handle cases where a name appears on the registry but has not resulted in a final finding. Looking ahead, staff said they will return with implementation steps once they have formal access and legal interpretation.