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Saint Mary Parish SEAP reviews handbook and notes seclusion-and-restraint policy now effective, pending board approval
Summary
The Special Education Advisory Panel (SEAP) reviewed a district handbook aligned to state law and flagged a new seclusion-and-restraint policy that went into effect Dec. 1; Director Deborah McLaren said the School Board is expected to ratify the policy before it is published online.
Deborah McLaren, director of special education for Saint Mary Parish, presented a draft Special Education Advisory Panel handbook and outlined the committee’s advisory role, saying the handbook was prepared "using the law that said we had to have an advisory council." McLaren read the council vision derived from Act 274 of 2019 and a Louisiana Revised Statutes citation, and emphasized the handbook covers "all learners, including students with disabilities."
McLaren told members the handbook will explain SEAP duties — providing advice, feedback, community outreach and an annual report to the state — and made clear that SEAP is advisory only. "SEAP is not a decision making body and has no voting authority," she said, adding that formal decisions about programs and services are made by district officials consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and other applicable requirements.
On policy changes, McLaren said the district adopted a new seclusion-and-restraint policy that "went into effect December 1" and that the school board would be asked to approve the policy at its next meeting. She said she will incorporate the approved policy into the handbook and post the finalized handbook on the district website after board approval. "Once I get my approval from the board, I will post it on the website," McLaren said.
McLaren also urged SEAP members to recruit parents and increase community participation so the committee’s work reflects family concerns and helps the district meet state reporting requirements. She highlighted programs in use, including the 'Unique Learning' online curriculum the state recently elevated to a mandated course, and stressed confidentiality and adherence to applicable laws when committee members review student-related matters.
Next steps: McLaren expects the Saint Mary Parish School Board to consider the seclusion-and-restraint policy at its upcoming meeting; she will post the handbook online and distribute bound copies to members thereafter.
