School board approves leave-policy wording change, mandatory-uniforms revision with clear-bag element and new security coordinator

The Terrebonne Parish School Board voted to approve three personnel and policy items at its meeting: a wording change to Policy File F-11 (Leaves and Absences), a revision to Policy File H-3.4 (Mandatory School Uniforms) that includes a clear-bag provision, and the addition and advertising of a security coordinator position for the 2025–26 school year.

The board approved the Policy F-11 revision after the staff presenter described the change as a wording clarification. Matthew Hudson, a staff member, told the board that the amendment replaces the word “should” with “shall” in parts of the policy to remove ambiguity: “we just wanted to change the word, should to shall.” There was a motion, a second (Miss Benoit), no public comment and no nays were recorded. The motion was adopted.

Policy H-3.4 drew extended discussion before approval. Miss Torban, who reviewed the draft, said the revision grew out of a review by the district discipline committee and that committee members examined clear-bag rules used by large event venues and neighboring school districts. Torban said the aim is to provide quicker visibility of items that could otherwise evade detection: “the clear bags allow us to have some more, visibility of what the kids are bringing just, in a quicker pace.”

Board members and staff discussed implementation details, including cost and local availability. Torban said some clear bags are cheaper per unit but may be less durable, and staff had contacted local retailers and community donation programs to ensure supply. Dr. Cloutier asked for confirmation of the effective date; Torban said the policy will take effect next school year. Mr. Ford, a board member, supported the change and suggested operational practices used in other districts, such as coaches holding athletic bags during the day, to reduce disruptions.

The board then approved the revised H-3.4 policy by motion and second.

On a related safety personnel matter, the board approved adding a security coordinator position and authorized advertising the job for the 2025–26 school year. Staff described the role as a dedicated position to focus on school security matters that currently share staff attention. The job description references pay scale “10-3” and the posting anticipates a coordinator-level role; staff said degree preference and relevant experience will be considered. Mr. Ford asked whether the new hire would report to Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA); staff confirmed the position would be placed under CWA oversight. The motion to add the position was moved, seconded and carried with no recorded opposition.

Votes at a glance

- Policy File F-11 (Leaves and Absences): motion to approve wording revision (change “should” to “shall”). Second: Miss Benoit. Outcome: approved (no nays recorded). Motion text as presented by staff. No recorded vote count in the transcript.

- Policy File H-3.4 (Mandatory School Uniforms, including a clear-bag provision): motion to approve revised policy as presented. Motion moved and seconded. Outcome: approved (no recorded opposition). Implementation: effective next school year; schools will refine operational details (exceptions noted for athletic equipment/instruments).

- Security coordinator position: motion to approve job description and to advertise for the position for the 2025–26 school year. Motion moved and seconded. Outcome: approved (no recorded opposition). Reporting: position to be placed under Child Welfare and Attendance oversight.

Discussion and implementation notes

Board discussion emphasized practical implementation steps rather than a change in dress-code philosophy. Staff said local stores (Academy, Target, Walmart) and donation programs had been contacted to assist families, and district staff will use existing communication channels — school websites, Facebook, robocalls and texts — to notify families and provide time during the summer for parents to obtain compliant bags. Staff stressed that exceptions such as instrument cases and athletic equipment would be managed at the school level and that athletic programs in other districts use coach-held bag storage to address similar concerns.

The board’s approvals were recorded during the meeting; the transcript does not list a roll-call tally of individual yes/no votes.