St. John the Baptist Parish School Board adopts new student health, safety and biometric-data policies

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board voted Dec. 8 to adopt a set of new and revised policies aimed at clarifying how the district handles student health, safety and biometric information.

The board approved a revised JGCD policy on the administration of medication, a new JGFHA policy governing use of student biometric information, a new EBBB policy on school and student safety, and a JGC policy on student health services. Each motion passed on roll call with nine yeas and two members absent.

Interim Superintendent Rebecca Johnson presented the policies as part of the district’s personnel and administrative packet. The JGCD revision defines the paperwork required for school administration of prescription and over-the-counter medications, limits which school personnel may administer injectable drugs, requires trained staff and secured storage, and directs a 45-minute observation period following administration. The policy limits school administration to medicines that cannot reasonably be given outside school hours.

The new JGFHA policy defines biometric information (including fingerprints, facial and vocal characteristics) and requires expressed written parental consent before any biometric data collection. The policy treats biometric data as student records, restricts access, requires encryption and mandates destruction of biometric data within 30 days after a student’s graduation, withdrawal, or a written request to discontinue use.

The EBBB safety policy formalizes mandatory reporting and threat-assessment procedures in line with state law, requires a standardized reporting form that captures the method and timing of a threat, and sets steps for involving law enforcement and, when required, district attorneys and courts.

The JGC student health services policy authorizes school-based health centers supervised by a licensed nurse, sets hearing and vision screening schedules, outlines dyslexia screening and remediation procedures, and details protocols for diabetes, seizure management, catheterization and other noncomplex health procedures when performed by trained staff.

Board motions were recorded as follows: JGCD (motion by Triche, second Wallace), JGFHA (motion by Wallace, second DeFrancesch), EBBB (motion by Wallace, second Holden), JGC (motion by Wallace, second Triche). Public comment was recorded for some items before votes were taken. The policies include references to Louisiana statutes cited in the district documents.