The Lafayette Parish School Board has adopted changes to the discipline policy for the 2024-2025 school year. Educating children is the primary function of a school, and the Board recognizes that misconduct disrupts the learning environment.
In an effort to address infractions appropriately and in accordance with state law, the Board has approved changes to the policy which will be reflected in the 2024-2025 LPSS Student Handbook.
Key highlights of the updated discipline policy include:
1. Student Use of Electronic Communication Devices: Students are prohibited from possessing such a device (i.e., cell phone, laptop, tablet device, smart watch, or any device that transmits data or information) in a school building or on the grounds during the instructional day. If a student brings a device onto campus, it must be turned off or stowed away (not on display) during the instructional day. The instructional day is defined as the time a student arrives on campus until the last dismissal bell at the end of the day rings.
2. Suspension: Pursuant to Act 324 of 2024, a principal-designated employee shall, after a student’s second suspension, shall confer with the principal or his/her designee to determine whether the student’s behavior is attributable to behavioral or emotional challenges. If they believe the student would benefit from supportive services, a conference with the parent or legal guardian will be scheduled to discuss such opportunities.
3. Expulsion:
a. Pursuant to Act 337, any student in grades six (6) through twelve (12) who is found guilty of being in possession of a firearm, a knife with a blade 2 ½ “ or longer, tobacco, alcohol, vaping product, any illegal narcotic, drug, or other controlled substance on school property, a school bus, or at a school-sponsored event, pursuant to a hearing, shall be expelled from school for a minimum of four (4) complete school semesters and be referred to the district attorney for appropriate action. The superintendent may modify the length of the minimum required expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
b. Pursuant to Act 337, a student in grades six (6) through twelve (12) who is suspended a third time within the same school year for any offense, excluding those related to dress code or tardiness, shall be recommended for expulsion.
c. The principal may recommend expulsion to the Superintendent for any student in grades pre-kindergarten through five who is found carrying or possessing a knife with a blade 2 ½” in length or longer.
d. Any student in pre-kindergarten through grade five (5), after being suspended on three (3) occasions for committing drugs or weapons offenses during the same school year, shall, upon committing the fourth offense, be expelled from all the public schools of the system until the beginning of the next regular school year, and the student's reinstatement shall be subject to the review and approval of the School Board.
4. Smoke-free policy: The Lafayette Parish School Board has added marijuana to the
smoking and tobacco policy.
Superintendent Francis Touchet encourages parents to become familiar with the changes as students prepare to begin a new school year, stating, “Our goal is to create a learning environment where every student feels safe, is able to take advantage of every opportunity available to them, and inspire a culture that allows our students to realize both their educational and personal potential. All those factors contribute to long-term success. The updated policy ensures that Lafayette Parish is compliant with state law, but also supports our students in making responsible choices and building positive relationships.”
The changes listed above will be further detailed in the 2024-2025 LPSS Student Handbook which parents or guardians will be required to acknowledge.