St. John the Baptist school board approves special-education advisory council update and new policy allowing classroom cameras with limits
July 02, 2026 | St. John the Baptist Parish, School Boards, Louisiana
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board voted Thursday to revise its Special Education Advisory Council policy and to adopt a new policy permitting audio and video cameras in certain special education classrooms.
The revised advisory-council policy clarifies membership composition, requires at least three meetings per school year, directs the superintendent to appoint members and designate the chair, and mandates that the council submit an annual report to the superintendent to be posted on the district website. Dr. Curt Green addressed the board during public comment in support of the revisions before the vote. Motion to approve IDDFA was made by Jones and seconded by Triche; roll call showed 10 yeas and 1 absent, and the motion carried.
On the cameras policy, the new IDDFC language authorizes installation and operation of cameras that record both video and audio in self-contained special education classrooms when a parent or guardian requests them and funding is available. The policy prohibits recording in restrooms or changing areas; requires written notice to teachers, students, parents and authorized visitors; mandates staff training before cameras are used; and sets data-retention rules requiring recordings be kept for at least one month. The policy limits viewing of recordings to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee and to a recorded student’s parent or legal guardian upon request; it also requires anyone who views footage and suspects a violation of law to report it to law enforcement. Recordings are designated confidential and “not public record” under the policy. Motion to approve IDDFC was made by Jones and seconded by Wallace; roll call recorded 10 yeas and 1 absent.
The policies cite Louisiana statutory provisions governing special education and privacy. The board instructed administration to finalize procedures for requests, retention, secure storage and parent access consistent with the adopted policy.
The board approved both policy actions during the Oct. 13 meeting at Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria.
The revised advisory-council policy clarifies membership composition, requires at least three meetings per school year, directs the superintendent to appoint members and designate the chair, and mandates that the council submit an annual report to the superintendent to be posted on the district website. Dr. Curt Green addressed the board during public comment in support of the revisions before the vote. Motion to approve IDDFA was made by Jones and seconded by Triche; roll call showed 10 yeas and 1 absent, and the motion carried.
On the cameras policy, the new IDDFC language authorizes installation and operation of cameras that record both video and audio in self-contained special education classrooms when a parent or guardian requests them and funding is available. The policy prohibits recording in restrooms or changing areas; requires written notice to teachers, students, parents and authorized visitors; mandates staff training before cameras are used; and sets data-retention rules requiring recordings be kept for at least one month. The policy limits viewing of recordings to the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee and to a recorded student’s parent or legal guardian upon request; it also requires anyone who views footage and suspects a violation of law to report it to law enforcement. Recordings are designated confidential and “not public record” under the policy. Motion to approve IDDFC was made by Jones and seconded by Wallace; roll call recorded 10 yeas and 1 absent.
The policies cite Louisiana statutory provisions governing special education and privacy. The board instructed administration to finalize procedures for requests, retention, secure storage and parent access consistent with the adopted policy.
The board approved both policy actions during the Oct. 13 meeting at Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria.
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