Parent tells BESE meeting alleged assault, says Bulletin 137 leaves pre‑K programs unregulated

An unnamed parent told a meeting of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) that his child was sexually assaulted at a private school and that state rules allow regulatory gaps for programs serving children younger than age 3.

The parent described the emotional and forensic aftermath, a delayed criminal investigation and what he characterized as an inadequate response from the school and the Louisiana Department of Education. "We spent tens of thousands of dollars," he said, and later added, "It took an FBI for 2 weeks to get the JPSO to investigate," alleging evidence and accountability were lost during that period.

Why it matters: The parent argued the department’s interpretation of Bulletin 137 — and specific sections he cited as 301 and 303 — permits private schools to segment operations so that early‑childhood classrooms for 2‑ and 3‑year‑olds escape licensing and oversight. That, he said, creates a “dangerous regulatory gap” with direct consequences for child safety.

In his comments the parent said the school delayed meeting with the family for seven days, and that the school’s internal review was carried out by "two untrained administrators who admittedly never dealt with [sexual‑assault] investigation before." He described the school’s response to his citation of Bulletin 137 as essentially asserting it was not subject to Department of Education regulations and quoted school staff as saying they had "full confidence that 1 teacher or assistant could safely supervise up to 53" (as stated in the record).

The parent urged BESE members and staff to close the gaps, enforce licensing for pre‑kindergarten programs serving children under age 3, and consider forming a stakeholder work group to recommend changes. "This tragedy was entirely avoidable," he said, adding that basic safeguards such as maintained student‑to‑teacher ratios, supervision during bathroom breaks and designated monitored bathrooms were not observed.

A representative identifying herself with a diocese urged sharing established safe‑environment practices with the group. "In any of our schools, that would have been dealt with different. Immediately and differently," she said, adding that some diocesan systems already maintain rules and training the speaker suggested could be useful to broader practice.

Board or committee members acknowledged gaps and discussed next steps; participants agreed to pursue a work group and exchange contact information. A staff member noted the next meeting of the group would be March 18.

What was not decided: There was no formal vote recorded on changes to Bulletin 137 or a formal adoption of new policy during the remarks. The parent requested a formal investigation and policy changes; the meeting record shows discussion and a plan to assemble stakeholders rather than a board action to change rules.

The parent said the incident occurred in March and that eight months had passed without a formal action from the Louisiana Department of Education. He also noted that the child's family had sought local law enforcement and child‑family services involvement; the record reflects the parent’s contention that responsibility was shifted between agencies before federal assistance prompted further inquiry.

The comments combined personal testimony, specific references to Bulletin 137 sections 301 and 303, and an appeal for BESE to support clearer licensing and enforcement for early‑childhood programs that serve children under age 3.

Ending: Participants agreed to form a stakeholder group to develop recommendations and to reconvene; the meeting closed with arrangements to follow up and a scheduled check‑in on March 18.