St. John the Baptist board introduces policies on expectant or parenting students, dress code, expulsion and bullying

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board used its Oct. 13 meeting to present multiple student-focused policy drafts and revisions that the administration said will return for future action.

The JQE draft policy on expectant and parenting students was presented for introduction. It would require schools to maintain confidentiality, permit pregnant students to continue attendance with physician approval, provide homebound instruction if needed, excuse pregnancy- and parenting-related absences (including prenatal/postnatal appointments and legal matters), and guarantee at least 10 excused days for both a parenting mother and father after a child’s birth. The policy would also require reasonable lactation accommodations — a private non-restroom space, access to power and refrigeration for expressed milk, and time for expressing milk without academic penalty. Administration noted the item was introductory and not voted on.

The board also reviewed a revised JCDB dress code draft that underscores that no hairstyle or natural/cultural hair texture may be a basis for exclusion, requires advance notice to parents for uniform changes, and lists specific prohibitions (e.g., clothing that is unduly revealing, gang-affiliated items, or apparel promoting drugs or alcohol). The JDE expulsion revisions and JCDAF anti-bullying and hazing policy were presented in detail. The bullying policy defines bullying and hazing, sets reporting and investigation timelines (investigations to be completed within 10 school days of a written report), mandates parental notification for involved students, and requires training for school employees. Several items were explicitly noted as "for introduction only." Public commenter Dr. Curt Green introduced or spoke during several of the policy presentations.

Board members and members of the public spoke during the introductions; the administration will return with final language and recommendations for board action at a later meeting.