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St. Mary Parish reviews cameras policy for special education classrooms after state statute changes
Summary
Committee members said revised statutes require cameras in classrooms where students are self-contained at least half the day; the Policy Committee tabled a policy update for one month while staff confirm details and remaining installations.
St. Mary Parish staff told the Special Education Advisory Committee that state statute changes have altered when cameras must be placed in special education classrooms and that the district is working toward compliance.
"The difference right now is for the most part when we have cameras in our special education classrooms ... in the past ... they had to be requested by a parent or legal guardian," Dr. Fagan Busch said, summarizing earlier discussions. "So now we must have them in all classrooms with at least 50% self contained for at least 50% of the instructional day." Dr. Fagan Busch said the policy update (identified in meeting notes as policy IDDFC) was considered by the Policy Committee but tabled for one month so staff could ensure all policy language and implementation details were accurate.
District officials credited Deborah McClaredy, director of special education, for advancing installations within current financing. "She went ahead as much as we could with the financing that we received, and she made sure that we have cameras in our those settings at this time," Dr. Fagan Busch said. He said the district believes about four classrooms still need adjustment because of staff moves or changed student placements.
Committee members said the process for parents to request video review remains the same. "If there's a concern a parent can request, we review those videos. They stay confidential. All of that information remains exactly the same," Dr. Fagan Busch said.
The committee noted staff will return to the Policy Committee after the one-month table to finalize the policy language and placement list. No vote occurred at the advisory committee because there was not a quorum.
