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Policy committee updates: instructional materials access, student internet policy and absence rules approved
Summary
The policy committee approved revisions to three district policies—IFA (instructional materials access), IFGBA (student computer and internet use), and the absences policy—to align with new state laws and DESE guidance.
The Beauregard Parish School Board policy committee voted to revise three existing policies to conform with recent state legislative changes and DESE guidance.
Instructional materials (Policy IFA): The committee adopted language reflecting Act 103 of the 2025 Louisiana Legislature and revisions to Louisiana Revised Statute 17:355 to clarify access to instructional materials, including online instructional materials. The revision explicitly allows paper copies to be made on school equipment for a reasonable fee, but staff said no fee will be charged for in-person viewing or when a parent accesses material online using their own device. The draft also notes that access requirements apply only to adopted curriculum and that other materials are available at the board's discretion. Committee members noted a title typo in the working draft and approved the corrected language; the committee recommended waiving the usual waiting period because the statutory change is already in effect.
Student computer and internet use (Policy IFGBA): Revisions reflect Act 686 language removing some statutory instruction and training requirements; the committee's draft includes bullet points showing how the district will meet any new DESE requirements. The committee approved the revision and waived the waiting period so changes can take effect promptly.
Student absences and excuses (aligned to DESE Bulletin 741): The committee revised the district's absences policy to mirror Bulletin 741's three categories (excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspension/expulsion). The updated language specifies that absent students, including suspended students, are allowed to submit assignments and tests and remain eligible for the same academic credit and grades if work is completed satisfactorily and timely. Committee members noted the district already provides make-up opportunities and that very few expulsions occur locally.
Action: Motions were made and seconded for each policy change; each passed by voice vote. Committee members instructed staff to correct a typographical title error in the IFA draft prior to final publication.
Ending: The committee approved the policy updates and waived rating periods where applicable so the changes can align promptly with the new state law and DESE bulletins.
