Bogalusa school board approves updated code of conduct covering uniforms, devices, fights and vaping counseling

The City of Bogalusa School District board on an item received and approved revisions to the student code of conduct and handbook, adopting a package of changes that address uniforms, electronic devices, discipline for fighting, vaping interventions and the alternative placement policy.

Staff presented the draft changes, saying they added explicit language to prohibit "false activation of the fire alarm or spraying of a fire extinguisher" after several students were written up for extinguisher misuse, and clarified that the district is not responsible for "lost, stolen, or damaged" electronic devices brought to campus. "If your child is in possession of it because we know these students have their cell phones, we are not responsible if it's lost, stolen, or damaged," a staff member said.

The handbook now includes graduated consequences for fighting and instigation. Staff reported that referrals for instigating or participating in fights rose from 58 last year to 106 this year and described a recommended discipline table that would set fixed maximums for some infractions (examples cited in the packet included 25, 45 and 90 days for serious categories). For physical fighting among second- through fifth-graders, the committee discussed a first-offense removal (staff described a four-day OSS for physical fights) and progressively longer suspensions for repeat offenses. Board members and parents pushed for clear distinctions between instigators and students who defended themselves, saying enforcement must be consistent.

The board also approved a requirement that students who test positive for vaping complete a 10-hour vaping counseling program before reentering regular school. Staff described the counseling as delivered by community partners; when staff explained the reentry step, they said parents or guardians are involved in meetings after the counseling to review behavioral and academic goals.

Board members debated a proposed optional plaid uniform element and other outerwear: several members expressed concern about affordability and potential visible socioeconomic differences if families could not purchase added items. One parent and several board members argued the district should prioritize consistency and affordability in uniform policy and avoid layering optional items that could create perceived differences among students.

Multiple speakers raised safety and staffing issues tied to the alternative program. Staff revised wording so assignment lengths are event-driven rather than fixed by calendar date, but parents and board members warned that the district often operates the alternative setting with only one teacher to cover students with high aggression and many on IEPs. "We have one teacher over there...and a lot of kids are placed through their IEPs as well," a committee member said, urging the board to "revamp" the alternative program and consider additional staff or different scheduling to reduce behavioral recidivism.

Training for behavior management was discussed at length. Staff described district-provided de-escalation training and that the district bought roughly 40 seats for CPI/nonviolent physical intervention training; principals select teams of trained staff to perform physical holds when necessary. The training cost cited was $50 per seat for the certification the district purchased; staff said trained teams of about 10 people per site handle physical holds to limit liability.

A board member moved to "receive and consider approval of the suggested code and conduct handbook policy" (with stated exclusions). The motion carried; the chair announced the motion passed and thanked staff and attendees. No vote tally was read into the record during the discussion.

Next steps noted by staff included circulating the updated handbook language to schools and ensuring parents receive copies and explanations of discipline tables and attendance consequences. Several board members requested follow-up on staffing levels for the alternative program and plans to make CPI/de-escalation training broadly available and documented for staff.

The board meeting adjourned after the roll call and the Chair thanked participants.