St. Charles Parish School Board upholds expulsion, approves job-description changes and new ELL coach position

The St. Charles Parish School Board voted unanimously to uphold the superintendent’s decision to expel student number 1 and approved a slate of job-description revisions, including a reclassified coordinator of assistive-technology instructional support and a new English-language learners instructional and technology coach.

The board considered the expulsion appeal under the cited state statute LRS 17:416; after a motion by Mr. Gregson and a second from Miss Boudreaux the board confirmed the superintendent’s prior action. Chair recorded the outcome as an affirmative vote to uphold the superintendent’s decision.

Members then discussed seven revised job descriptions. Mr. Gregson said the coordinator of assistive-technology instructional support represents a significant change and warned of "variable costs associated with that particular position," including potential mileage and office setup expenses.

Dr. Ken Orling, the superintendent, responded that the district had already allocated funding: "We've already allocated 50% of this salary and 50% of the associated benefits for the position within the IDEA budget," he said, and added that the district's contribution was ‘‘memorialized at $36,960 consistent with current expenditures.’’ He told the board that IDEA funds reimburse approved expenditures and that projections included retirement and other benefits.

Board members debated whether the job description itself implied an immediate staffing or budget request; several members emphasized that approving a job description does not by itself create a position. Mr. Smith and others clarified that funding and position requests should be discussed when a formal position request is brought forward. After discussion the board voted to approve the job-description revisions.

The board also approved a new English-language learners instructional and technology coach job description. Dr. Orling said the role will be funded through Title II federal funds and that federally funded positions are reviewed annually; employees sign a federally funded employment agreement each year to reflect that annual funding review.

The meeting record shows the board approved the consent agenda, proclamations and other routine items during the session; all recorded votes on the listed motions were unanimous.

What happens next: the board will implement the approved job-description changes administratively and will consider any separate position requests or budgetary actions related to the reclassified assistive-technology coordinator in subsequent personnel or budget proceedings.