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Committee recommends allowing teleconference participation for people with disabilities, sets 48-hour written request
Summary
The Terrebonne Parish education committee recommended that the school board approve a policy allowing people with disabilities (or their caregivers) to participate in meetings remotely if technology permits; requests must be submitted in writing at least 48 hours before the meeting, with discretionary accommodation for later requests.
The Education Technology and Policy Committee recommended that the school board approve revisions to policy file B-11.6 to allow members of the public with disabilities — or a designated caregiver — to participate in school board meetings by teleconference or video when the district's technology allows.
"We added a timeline in there," Dr. Breaux told the committee as she read the proposed language, explaining that a person or caregiver requesting the accommodation must "submit a written request to the superintendent certifying that the requester meets the definition of a person with a disability recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act" no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Breaux added that a request received in less than 48 hours "may be accommodated as it is reasonably practicable and at the discretion of the superintendent or his or her designee." (Breaux)
The change is intended to make meetings more accessible while creating a clear process for staff to follow. Committee members agreed the policy's purpose is to broaden access. One member voiced concern about unintended consequences: "I appreciate the purpose behind this and what we're trying to do, but I fear it may be putting us in a position for even further deeper scrutiny," he said, urging care so the rule does not create new barriers to participation. (Lagarde/Ford)
Committee members asked whether the list of qualifying disabilities is included; Breaux said the Americans with Disabilities Act is the referenced standard. When asked whether the superintendent would be required to make a medical determination, a district speaker said requesters must provide the written certification and that the superintendent does not "determine that" they meet the ADA definition. "They just merely have to state that they have a disability," the district speaker said, adding that the district can often verify related student information when the request concerns a child already enrolled in the system. (Corrales; Breaux; Superintendent)
The committee moved and seconded a recommendation that the full board approve and accept the revisions as presented; no formal roll-call vote on final adoption was recorded in the committee transcript. The committee said staff will check with counsel and look into whether other districts use similar language before the next meeting. The committee then returned the agenda to the board president and adjourned.
