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Board adopts HR policy reorganizations, approves counsel invoices and moves to executive session after public comment
Summary
The board adopted a set of reorganized HR policies as technical cleanups ahead of a comprehensive policy manual, approved payment of Bridal Parsons invoices for fall semester legal services (about $17,000), and took public comment before voting to enter executive session on ongoing litigation (Smith v. State of Louisiana).
The board adopted a package of human-resources policy reorganizations that staff described as technical and preparatory to a comprehensive, consolidated policy manual expected in March. General counsel Ty Maneri said the agency will provide drafts of the full manual as pieces are completed, and that the March meeting will include the complete manual for adoption.
On legal services, Maneri told the board there are seven invoices from board counsel Bridal Parsons totaling approximately $17,000 for services from July 1–Dec. 31, 2025; about $10,000 of that total relates to emergency matters around the departure of the prior superintendent. Because the formal contract was still being finalized, the board voted to approve payment of the invoices received to date.
Before a likely executive-session briefing on Smith v. State of Louisiana (U.S. District Court, Middle District of Louisiana), the board took public comment. Parents and community members, including Miranda Dunham, urged the board to fill vacancies (particularly deaf-designated seats), improve transparency, schedule meetings to allow greater family participation and address program reductions. Jerry Pilch urged clearer contextual information alongside published LDOE scores so that growth is visible for SSD students.
After public comment the board voted to move into executive session for the litigation briefing and later returned, completed final business and adjourned.
