Important Notices
Below are required notices and information for families, employees and the community. Please see quick links at the bottom of this page for links to additional policies, guidelines and procedures.
- 2024 Asbestos Notification
- Collaboration With Business and Industry
- Continuous Learning Plan
- Department of Children and Family Services- Report Child Abuse/Neglect
- Every Student Succeeds Act Video
- Federal and State Labor Laws
- Health Insurance Notices
- Homework Assistance
- Immunization Information
- Information About High Pay/ High Wage Jobs
- Internet and Cell Phone Safety
- Kids In Transition Homeless Assistance
- LaCHIP Health Insurance Program
- Literacy Plan
- Louisiana Department Of Education Instructional Materials Review
- Louisiana Legislative Auditor Fraud Hotline
- Parents Bill of Rights
- School Board Meetings and Minutes
- School Choice
- Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act
- Student Fees
- Title IX
2024 Asbestos Notification
In compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) and Louisiana Administrative Code Volume II, Air Quality Division Title 33, Chapter 27, Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools and Public Building Regulation, the 2024 St. Tammany Parish School Board wishes to notify you of the following: This represents the annual notification regarding asbestos-containing materials in schools. Several asbestos abatement projects have taken place in various schools throughout the system, each in strict compliance with the above-mentioned regulations. Periodic surveillance and other preventative measures are also ongoing. These actions have been documented and placed in the Asbestos Management Plan. Our asbestos management plan is on file in the Central Office of St. Tammany Parish School System and in the office of each school. If you have any questions about the Management Plan or want to view a copy of the management plan, you may contact Ms. Cameron Tipton, the asbestos-designated person for the St. Tammany Parish Public School System, at 985-898-3287.
Collaboration With Business and Industry
Continuous Learning Plan
Department of Children and Family Services- Report Child Abuse/Neglect
How can I report child abuse or neglect?
Department of Children and Family Services- Report Child Abuse/Neglect
Click the link or call 1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437) toll-free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All calls are confidential.
Every Student Succeeds Act Video
Federal and State Labor Laws
Health Insurance Notices
- Availability of HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
- Health Insurance Vesting Schedule
- Important Notice from St. Tammany Parish School Board About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare
- Insurance Marketplace Options
- Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Frequently Asked Questions
- Notice of Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
- Premium Assistance Under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Availability of HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices
To: Participants in the St. Tammany Parish School Board
Re: Availability of Notice of Privacy Practices
The St. Tammany Parish School Board maintains a Notice of Privacy Practices that provides information to individuals whose protected health information (PHI) will be used or maintained by the Plan. If you would like a copy of the Plan's Notice of Privacy Practices, please contact the Benefits Department at 985-892-2276.
Health Insurance Vesting Schedule
Effective July 1, 2007 employees who enroll in the St. Tammany Parish School Board’s (STPSB) Health Insurance plan will be subject to the following premium reduction rates at the time of retirement:
• Less than 10 years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the school system will pay 25% of its normal contribution rate
• 10 – 14.99 years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the system will pay 50% of its
normal contribution rate
• 15 – 19.99 years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the system will pay 75% of its
normal contribution rate
• 20 or more years of STPSB health insurance coverage: the system will pay 100% of its
normal contribution rate
Important Notice from St. Tammany Parish School Board About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare
Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it. This notice has
information about your current prescription drug coverage with St. Tammany Parish School Board and about your options under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you decide whether or not you want to join a Medicare drug plan. If you are considering joining, you should compare your current coverage, including which drugs are covered at what cost, with the coverage and costs of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your area. Information about where you can get help to make decisions about your prescription drug coverage is at the end of this notice.
There are two important things you need to know about your current coverage and
Medicare’s prescription drug coverage:
1. Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in 2006 to everyone with
Medicare. You can get this coverage if you join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or
join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers prescription drug
coverage. All Medicare drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set
by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly
premium.
2. St. Tammany Parish School Board has determined that the prescription drug
coverage offered by the St. Tammany Parish School Board Group Health Plan is, on
average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as standard Medicare
prescription drug coverage pays and is therefore considered Creditable Coverage.
Because your existing coverage is Creditable Coverage, you can keep this coverage
and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide to join a Medicare drug
plan.
When Can You Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
You can join a Medicare drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare and each year from October 15th to December 7th.
However, if you lose your current creditable prescription drug coverage, through no fault of your own, you will also be eligible for a two (2) month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join a Medicare drug plan.
What Happens To Your Current Coverage If You Decide to Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
If you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, your current St. Tammany Parish School Board coverage will not be affected.
When you become eligible for Medicare Part D you can keep this coverage and if you elect Part D this plan will coordinate with Part D Coverage.
If you do decide to join a Medicare drug plan and drop your current St. Tammany Parish School Board coverage, be aware that you and your dependents will not be able to get this coverage back.
When Will You Pay A Higher Premium (Penalty) To Join A Medicare Drug Plan?
You should also know that if you drop or lose your current coverage with St. Tammany Parish School Board and don’t join a Medicare drug plan within 63 continuous days after your current coverage ends, you may pay a higher premium (a penalty) to join a Medicare drug plan later.
If you go 63 continuous days or longer without creditable prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium may go up by at least 1% of the Medicare base beneficiary premium per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go nineteen months without creditable coverage, your premium may consistently be at least 19% higher than the Medicare base beneficiary premium. You may have to pay this higher premium (a penalty) as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until the following
October to join.
For More Information About This Notice Or Your Current Prescription Drug Coverage…
Contact the person listed below for further information NOTE: You’ll get this notice each year. You will also get it before the next period you can join a Medicare drug plan, and if this coverage through St. Tammany Parish School Board changes. You also may request a copy of this notice at any time.
For More Information About Your Options Under Medicare Prescription
Drug Coverage…
More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You” handbook. You’ll get a copy of the handbook in the mail every year from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare drug plans.
For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage:
- Visit www.medicare.gov
- Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see the inside back cover of your copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook for their telephone number) for personalized help Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
If you have limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage is available. For information about this extra help, visit Social Security on the web at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Remember: Keep this Creditable Coverage notice. If you decide to join one of the Medicare drug plans, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to show whether or not you have maintained creditable coverage and, therefore, whether or not you are required to pay a higher premium (a penalty).
Date: 10/02/2018
Name of Entity/Sender: Human Resources
Contact--Position/Office: Human Resources
Address: 321 N. Theard St. Covington, LA 70434
Phone Number: 985-892-2276
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0938-0990. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 8 hours per response initially, including the time to review instructions, search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate(s) or suggestions for improving this form, please write to: CMS, 7500 Security Boulevard, Attn: PRA Reports Clearance Officer, Mail Stop C4-26-05, Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850.
Insurance Marketplace Options
Federal law requires us to provide this notice to you. We can provide you with no further information about its contents nor can we provide you with assistance
in evaluating your options for exchange coverage. The government agency regulating this plan has educational materials and sources for additional information. Please access their website at www.healthcare.gov or https://cuidadodesalud.gov/es
(Spanish). You may also call 800-318-2596.
New Health lnsurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage
PART A: General lnformation
When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there will be a new way to buy health insurance: the Health Insurance Marketplace. To assist you as you evaluate options for you and your family, this notice provides some basic information about the new Marketplace.
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace is designed to help you find health insurance that meets your needs and fits your budget. The Marketplace offers "one-stop shopping" to find and compare private health insurance options. You may also be eligible for a new kind of tax credit that lowers your monthly premium right away. Open enrollment for health insurance
coverage through the Marketplace begins in October 2013 for coverage starting as early as January 1, 2014.
Can I Save Money on my Health Insurance Premiums in the Marketplace?
You may qualify to save money and lower your monthly premium, but only if your employer does not offer coverage, or offers coverage that doesn't meet certain standards. The savings on your premium that you're eligible for depends on
your household income.
Does Employer Health Coverage Affect Eligibility for Premium Savings through the Marketplace?
Yes. If you have an offer of health coverage from your employer that meets certain standards, you will not be eligible for a tax credit through the Marketplace and may wish to enroll in your employer's health plan. However, you may be eligible for a tax credit that lowers your monthly premium, or a reduction in certain cost-sharing if your employer does not offer coverage to you at all or does not offer coverage that meets certain standards. lf the cost of a plan from your employer that would cover you (and not any other members of your family) is more than 9.5% of your household income for the year, or if the coverage your employer provides does not meet the "minimum value" standard set by the Affordable Care Act, you may be eligible for a tax credit.1
Note: lf you purchase a health plan through the Marketplace instead of accepting health coverage offered by your employer, then you may lose the employer contribution (if any) to the employer-offered coverage. Also, this employer
contribution -as well as your employee contribution to employer-offered coverage- is often excluded from income for Federal and State income tax purposes. Your payments for coverage through the Marketplace are made on an after-tax basis.
How Can I Get More Information?
The Marketplace can help you evaluate your coverage options, including your eligibility for coverage through the Marketplace and its cost. Please visit HealthCare.gov for more information, including an online application for health
insurance coverage and contact information for a Health lnsurance Marketplace in your area.
1 An employer-sponsored health plan meets the "minimum value standard" if the plan's share of the total allowed benefit costs covered by the plan is no less than 60 percent of such costs.
Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Frequently Asked Questions
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Creditable Coverage
website provides complete text of the guidance and model disclosure templates
published by CMS, and may be a helpful resource to both employers and their
employees. Updates are made regularly, so please check the websites often for
the most up-to-date information.
Are Part D eligibles required to enroll in Part D?
Medicare beneficiaries who have other sources of drug coverage – through a
current or former employer or union, for example – may stay in that plan and
choose not to enroll in the Medicare drug plan. If their other coverage is at least
as good as the new Medicare drug benefit (and therefore considered "creditable
coverage"), then beneficiaries may continue to get the high-quality care they
have now as well as avoid higher payments later if they sign up for the Medicare
drug benefit. Eligible members who forego Part D enrollment when first available
and who do not have creditable prescription drug coverage for any period of 63
days or longer will likely have to pay a higher Part D premium of 1 percent per
month for late enrollment.
Do we have to engage an accredited actuary to judge our plan's creditable coverage status?
No. CMS has created a simplified Creditable Coverage Determination that allows
the employer to identify creditable coverage status without the attestation of an
accredited actuary. However, you will require the services of an actuary if your
company decides to apply for the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS).
What am I required to do regarding creditable coverage?
Employers must provide creditable or non-creditable coverage notice to all
Medicare eligible individuals who are covered under, or who apply for, the
entity’s prescription drug plan (Part D eligibles), whether active employees or
retirees, at least once a year. This notice need not be a separate mailing and
may be included with other plan participant informational materials or through
electronic means. Please remember, employers are required to provide this
notice even if they choose not to apply for the Retiree Drug Subsidy. In addition,
employers are required to provide CMS with their plan’s creditable or
noncreditable coverage status annually.
When must we notify our members of our plan's creditable coverage status?
Employer plan sponsors are required by CMS to provide creditable coverage
status to Part D-eligible members at least once a year and at the following times:
- Prior to the Medicare Part D Annual Coordinated Election Period beginning on October 15 of each year
- Prior to an individual's initial enrollment period
- Prior to the effective date of coverage for any Medicare-eligible individual that joins your plan
- Whenever prescription drug coverage ends or changes so that it is no longer creditable or becomes creditable
- Upon the request of a beneficiary
What if I do not offer retiree health care coverage?
Creditable coverage notification must be provided to all Part D-eligible individuals
who are covered under or apply for your company's prescription drug benefits
plan. This requirement applies to Medicare beneficiaries who are active
employees and those who are retired, as well as Medicare beneficiaries who are
covered as spouses under active or retiree coverage.
Must we notify CMS of our plans’ creditable coverage status?
Yes. You must provide a disclosure to CMS on an annual basis, via an online
form. Creditable coverage status may change from one year to the next because
the standard Part D benefit may change in the future. CMS requires that the
disclosure be provided:
- Within 60 days of the start of the plan
- 30 days after plan termination or change in credible coverage status
Where can I find out more information?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Creditable Coverage
website provides complete text of the guidance and model disclosure templates
published by CMS, and may be a helpful resource to both employers and their
employees. Updates are made regularly, so please check the websites often for
the most up-to-date information.
Notice of Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act
Do you know that your plan, as required by the Women’s Health and Cancer Right Act of 1998, provides benefits for mastectomy-related services, including all stages of reconstruction and surgery to achieve symmetry between the breasts, prostheses and treatment for complications resulting from a mastectomy, including lymphedema? Call your plan administrator at 985-892-2276 for more information.
Premium Assistance Under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
If you or your children are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP and you’re eligible for health coverage from your employer, your state may have a premium assistance program that can help pay for coverage, using funds from their Medicaid or CHIP programs. If you or your children aren’t eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you won’t be eligible for these premium assistance programs but you may be able to buy individual insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. For more information, visit www.healthcare.gov.
If you or your dependents are already enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP and you live in a State listed below, contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office to find out if premium assistance is available.
If you or your dependents are NOT currently enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP, and you think you or any of your dependents might be eligible for either of these programs, contact your State Medicaid or CHIP office or dial 1-877-KIDS NOW or www.insurekidsnow.gov to find out how to apply. If you qualify, ask your state if it has a program that might help you pay the premiums for an employer-sponsored plan.
If you or your dependents are eligible for premium assistance under Medicaid or CHIP, as well as eligible under your employer plan, your employer must allow you to enroll in your employer plan if you aren’t already enrolled.
This is called a “special enrollment“ opportunity, and you must request coverage within 60 days of being determined eligible for premium assistance. If you have questions about enrolling in your employer plan, contact the Department of Labor at www.askebsa.dol.gov or call 1-866-444-EBSA (3272).
If you live in one of the following states, you may be eligible for assistance paying your employer health plan premiums. The following list of states is current as of January 31, 2018 Contact your State for more information on eligibility –
LOUISIANA – Medicaid NEW YORK – Medicaid
Website: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/subhome/1/n/331
Phone: 1-888-695-2447
To see if any other states have added a premium assistance program since January 31, 2018, or for more information on special enrollment rights, contact either:
Employee Benefits Security Administration Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
U.S. Department of Labor
www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa
1-866-444-EBSA (3272)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
www.cms.hhs.gov
1-877-267-2323, Menu Option 4, Ext. 61565
Homework Assistance
Immunization Information
The St. Tammany Parish School Board shall require each student entering any school for the first time and at any other time to present satisfactory evidence of immunity to or immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases according to state law and a schedule approved by the state Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), Office of Public Health (OPH), or present evidence of an immunization program in progress. The School Board may require immunizations or proof of immunity more extensive than required by the Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH), Office of Public Health (OPH). Any student failing to meet the immunization standards shall be prohibited from attending school until such time as the immunization standards are met. In progress shall mean that the student has an immunization due after the date school has begun, because the student began his/her immunization late, or because the student’s pediatrician has provided written orders for the student to receive an immunization after a certain date.
TRANSFERRING STUDENTS
A student transferring from another school system in or out of the state shall submit either a certificate of immunization or a letter from his/her personal physician or a public health clinic indicating immunization against the diseases in the schedule approved by the Office of Public Health have been performed, or a statement that such immunizations are in progress. If booster injections for the diseases enumerated on the state schedule are advised, such booster injections shall be administered before the student enters a school system within the state.
ENFORCEMENT
Principals or their designated representatives, shall be responsible for checking students' records to see that the provisions of this policy are enforced, and to electronically transmit immunization reports to the OPH through the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide, when capable.
EXCEPTIONS
No student seeking to enter any public school in St. Tammany Parish shall be required to comply with the provisions of this written policy if the student or his/her parent or guardian submits either a statement from a physician stating that this procedure is contraindicated for medical reasons, or a written dissent from the student or his/her parents. Exception in compliance may also apply to any person who is unable to comply due to a shortage in the supply of available vaccinations. EXCLUSION FROM
ATTENDANCE
If an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease occurs, upon the recommendation of the State Office of Public Health, school administrators may exclude from attendance unimmunized students until the appropriate disease incubation period has expired, or the unimmunized person presents evidence of immunization.
Community Immunization Resources
• Slidell St. Tammany Community Health Center – 985-607-0400
• Covington Community Wellness Center – 985-871-6030
• Greater New Orleans (GNO) Immunization Network Mobile Unit – 504-733-3268
Refer to La. R.S. 17:170 for additional provisions on immunization requirements.
Information About High Pay/ High Wage Jobs
Internet and Cell Phone Safety
Kids In Transition Homeless Assistance
LaCHIP Health Insurance Program
LaCHIP: Louisiana Children's Health Insurance Program
LaCHIP Flyer (English)
LaCHIP Flyer (Spanish)
Give your children health coverage at no cost to you.
No enrollment fees! No co-payments! No deductibles!
Do you qualify? LaCHIP uses the income amounts below to see if a child qualifies for low-cost or no-cost LaCHIP coverage.
The LaCHIP program covers:
- Medical services for children, including health, dental, and vision coverage
- Doctor’s appointments, including well child visits and hospital stay
- Prescriptions and immunizations
- Mental health services
- And many other services
Visit the LaCHIP website to apply online at ldh.la.gov/lachip or call their toll-free hotline for more information at 1-888-342-6207.
Income Limits
Number of Family Members: 1
Monthly Income (No Cost): $2,637
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $3,099
Number of Family Members: 2
Monthly Income (No Cost): $3,567
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $4,191
Number of Family Members: 3
Monthly Income (No Cost): $4,496
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $5,283
Number of Family Members: 4
Monthly Income (No Cost): $5,425
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $6,375
Number of Family Members: 5
Monthly Income (No Cost): $6,355
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $7,468
Number of Family Members: 6
Monthly Income (No Cost): $7,284
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $8,560
Number of Family Members: 7
Monthly Income (No Cost): $8,214
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $9,652
Number of Family Members: 8
Monthly Income (No Cost): $9,143
Monthly Income (Low Cost): $10,744
Low Cost option allows a greater income limit at a $50 premium. All of your family income may not be counted.
Rev. 03/23
Literacy Plan
Louisiana Department Of Education Instructional Materials Review
Louisiana Legislative Auditor Fraud Hotline
Contact the Louisiana Legislative Auditor (LLA) Hotline if you suspect the misappropriation (theft), fraud, waste or abuse of public funds by anyone.
CONTACTING THE LLA HOTLINE IS EASY:
Toll-free: 1-844-50 FRAUD (503-7283)
Fax: 1-844-40 FRAUD (403-7283)
Online: ReportFraud.La
U.S. Mail: LLA Hotline, P. O. Box 94397, Baton Rouge, LA 70804
Parents Bill of Rights
The Louisiana Parents Bill of Rights outlines the rights of parents who have public school students. View the law at Louisiana RS 17:406.9.
School Board Meetings and Minutes
View Meeting Information on BoardDocs Site
Access meeting agendas, minutes and other board meeting documents
Live Streaming
Public meetings of the St. Tammany Parish School Board may be viewed live on YouTube. Recordings of the meetings will also be available to view immediately after the live stream ends.
School Choice
The St. Tammany Parish School Board is required by both Federal law and the Louisiana School Accountability Program to develop and maintain a Public School Choice policy for any school with a School Performance Score (SPS) below levels set by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). School Choice allows eligible students to transfer to an academically acceptable school.
Schools eligible for School Choice Transfers for the 2024-2025 school year include the following:
Abney Elementary School
Abney Elementary Early Childhood Center
The application period for School Choice will be March 1 – 28, 2024. The application will be available beginning March 1, 2024.
Public School Choice School Board Policy
2024-2025 School Choice Application
Public School Choice Denied School Transfer Request Appeals
Louisiana Department of Education’s Performance Report
For more information, contact Jerry Leonard at Gerald.Leonard@stpsb.org or 985-898-6463.
Section 504 and Americans with Disabilities Act
- Career And Technical Education Compliance Notice
- Non-Discrimination Notice
- Grievance Procedures Under Section 504 And Title II Of The American With Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Time Line Extensions
Career And Technical Education Compliance Notice
Career and Technical Education courses are available at all STPPS secondary sites and are open to all students. STPPS adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of federal and civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
The Title IX Coordinator is Mary Hart, 321 N Theard Street Covington, LA 70433; phone (985) 892-2276; email Mary.Hart@stpsb.org.
The Title II Coordinator is Steve Alfonso, 321 N Theard Street Covington, LA 70433; phone (985) 898-3223; email Steve.Alfonso@stpsb.org.
The 504 Coordinator is Candice Dozier, 224 Brakefield St. Slidell, LA 70458; phone (985) 898-3357; email Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org.
All students have the opportunity to participate in Career & Technical Programs of Study including, but not limited to, areas of Health Care, Construction Crafts & Trades, IT Computer Technology, Culinary Programs, and Agriculture. Admission requirements for each course can be found in the student course guide/schedule packet of the individual campus where the course is being offered. Please contact the guidance counselor at the specific school site for additional information, program requirements and/or any questions you may have.
Non-Discrimination Notice
The St. Tammany Parish School Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities and provides equal access to designated youth groups, such as the Boy Scouts.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Section 504
Candice Dozier, Coordinator of 504 Services
224 Brakefield St.
Slidell, LA 70458
985-898-3357
Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org
Title II Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Steve Alfonso, Assistant Superintendent
321 N. Theard Street
Covington, LA 70433 985-898-3223
Steve.Alfonso@stpsb.org
Title IX Coordinator
Mary Hart, Assistant Superintendent
321 N. Theard Street Covington, LA 70433
985-892-2276
Mary.Hart@stpsb.org
Grievance Procedures Under Section 504 And Title II Of The American With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Grievances may be submitted by STPSB students, parents/guardians of STPSB students, and STPSB employees who allege discriminatory action by STPSB employees, STPSB students, and third parties. The following procedures apply to such grievances.
Grievances must be submitted to the appropriate “Coordinator” within 180 days of the date the person filing the grievance becomes aware of the alleged discriminatory action.
For Section 504 Grievances
Candice Dozier, Coordinator of 504 Services
224 Brakefield St.
Slidell, LA 70458
985-898-3357
Candice.Dozier@stpsb.org
For ADA–Title II Grievances
Steve Alfonso, Assistant Superintendent
321N. Theard Street Covington, LA 70433
985-898-3223
Steve.Alfonso@stpsb.org
The Coordinator (or her/his designee) shall conduct an investigation of the complaint. This investigation shall be adequate, reliable, and impartial. The investigation shall afford an equal opportunity to present witnesses and submit evidence relevant to the complaint.
The Coordinator (or her/his designee) will issue a written decision on the grievance no later than 30 days after its filing. A copy of the decision shall be provided to each party.
The person filing the grievance (“complainant”) may appeal the decision of the Coordinator by writing to the Superintendent within 15 days of receiving the Coordinator’s decision. The Superintendent (or designee) shall issue a written decision in response to the appeal no later than 30 days after receiving the complainant’s appeal.
If the investigation yields a determination that discrimination has occurred, the St. Tammany Parish School Board shall take affirmative steps to prevent recurrence of such discrimination and appropriately address discriminatory effects, if any, on the complainant and others.
The availability and use of this grievance procedure does not prevent a person from filing a complaint of discrimination on the basis of disability with the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.
Retaliation is prohibited against any person involved in the grievance process, including the complainant or any other participant.
Time Line Extensions
The Coordinator may request in writing an extension of decision time lines if received by the complainant within 20 days of the Coordinator’s receipt of the complaint. The request must include reasons for the request. The extension request may not exceed 10 days.
The complainant may request in writing an extension of appeal time lines if received by the Coordinator within 10 days of the complainant’s receipt of the Coordinator’s decision. The request must include reasons for the request. The Coordinator’s decision to grant the extension and, if granted, its duration are final.
Once a complaint has been received by the Coordinator, Winter/Christmas holiday break time shall not be included in the calculation of any grievance time line.
Student Fees
The St. Tammany Parish School Board may impose certain student fees or charges to help offset special costs incurred in the operation of specific classrooms or subjects. Generally, students should not be denied or delayed admission nor denied access to any instructional activity due to failure or inability of their parent or guardian to pay a fee. Report cards and other academic records cannot be withheld for failure to pay a fee, pursuant to La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 17:112(C).
The School Board shall publish the Student Fees, Fines and Charges policy and procedures on its website. Each school shall publish the policy on its website and include it in the school's student handbook which shall be provided to each student and his/her parent or legal guardian at the beginning of each school year in the manner determined by the School Board.
The Student Fees, Fines and Charges policy shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary.
DEFINITIONS
Fees shall mean any monetary payment or supplies required as a condition of a student being enrolled in school or participating in any curricular or co-curricular activity. Fees shall not include supplies or monetary payment for extracurricular activities. Fees shall not mean the cost of school meals.
Curricular and co-curricular activities are activities that are relevant, supportive, that are an integral part of the program of studies in which the student is enrolled, and that are under the supervision and/or coordination of the school instructional staff.
Extracurricular activities are those activities which are not directly related to the program of studies, which are under the supervision and/or coordination of the school instructional staff, and which are considered valuable for the overall development of the student.
REGULATIONS
- A school shall not charge or access a fee unless the fee has been set and included in the School Board's approved Schedule of Fees.
- Fees charged for the same item or service shall be consistent among all schools under the jurisdiction of the School Board.
- Failure by a student, or parent on behalf of their child, to pay any required fee shall not result in the withholding of a student's educational record.
SCHEDULE OF FEES
A list of authorized fees, including their purpose, use, amount or authorized range, and how each fee is collected, shall be as listed on the Schedule of Fees (Appendix A) attached to this policy.
Economic Hardship Waivers
A student or his/her parent or legal guardian may request and receive a waiver of payment of a fee due to economic hardship. Waivers of fees shall be granted based on objective criteria which shall include, but not be limited to the following, relative to the student or his/her family:
- Is receiving unemployment benefits or public assistance including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supplemental security income, or Medicaid.
- Is in foster care or is caring for children in foster care.
- Is homeless.
- Is serving in, or within the previous year has served in, active military service.
- Is eligible for free or reduced priced meals in schools not participating in the Community Eligibility Provision Program.
- Is an emancipated minor.
A written request for a waiver of fees shall be submitted to the principal of the school or his/her designee for consideration. Proof of eligibility shall be included with the fee waiver request. A written decision on the waiver request shall be rendered within five (5) school days of the date of receipt of the request. Should the initial request to the principal of the school for a waiver be denied, a written appeal may be made to the Superintendent or his/her designee, who shall respond to the appeal in writing within five (5) school days of the receipt of the appeal.
All requests for economic hardship waivers of student fees and any and all supporting documentation used in considering the validity of any request for a waiver shall be confidential.
All records associated with a fee waiver request due to economic hardship shall not constitute a public record, but may be audited to ensure compliance with the School Board's policy. A student's personally identifiable information associated with such a waiver request shall not be made public.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
School supplies requested by classroom teachers of a student's parent or legal guardian shall not exceed a published amount per student per school year as determined by the School Board. Each school principal shall approve all school supplies requested by classroom teachers. Prior to assessing a fee for school supplies or developing a school supply list, consideration shall be given to the existing school supply inventory. A student shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in a classroom activity due to his or her inability to provide requested supplies.
DAMAGE TO TEXTBOOKS/INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The School Board may require parents and/or legal guardians to compensate the school district for lost, destroyed, or unnecessarily damaged books and materials, and for any books which are not returned to the proper schools at the end of each school year or upon withdrawal of their dependent child. Under no circumstances may a student of school age be held financially responsible for fees associated with textbook replacement.
Compensation by parents or guardians may be in the form of monetary fees or community/school service activities, as determined by the School Board. In the case of monetary fees, fines shall be limited to no more than the replacement cost of the textbook or material, but may, at the discretion of the School Board, be adjusted according to the physical condition of the lost or destroyed textbook. A school system may waive or reduce the payment required if the student is from a family of low income and may provide for a method of payment other than lump-sum payment.
In lieu of monetary payments, both school systems and parents/guardians may elect to have students perform school/community service activities, provided that such are arranged so as not to conflict with school instructional time, are properly supervised by school staff, and are suitable to the age of the child.
Under no circumstances may a school or school district refuse the parent/guardian the right to inspect relevant grades or records pertaining to the child nor may the school or school district refuse to promptly transfer the records of any child withdrawing or transferring from the school, per requirements of the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
Under no circumstances may a school or school district deny a student promotional opportunities, as a result of failure to compensate the school district for lost or damaged textbooks. Students shall not be denied continual enrollment each grading period nor reentry in succeeding school years as a result of lost or damaged books.
Students shall not be denied the use of a textbook during school hours each day. The school system shall annually inform parents and/or legal guardians of the locally adopted procedures pursuant to state law and regulation, regarding reasonable and proper control of textbooks.
Appendix A: No Fees
Title IX
STPPS explicitly prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities which it operates. The prohibition against discriminating on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities extends to employment in and admission to such programs and activities. Title IX requires STPPS not to discriminate on the basis of sex.
Title IX requires schools to take steps to prevent and remedy two forms of sex-based harassment:
1. Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Violence). Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. It includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment. Sexual violence refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person's will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of different acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse and sexual coercion.
2. Gender-based Harassment. Gender-based harassment is unwelcome conduct based on a student's sex and harassing conduct based on a student's failure to conform to sex stereotypes.
Sex-based harassment can be carried out by school employees, other students and third parties. All students can experience sex-based harassment, including male and female students, LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities and students of different races, national origins and ages. Title IX protects all students from sex-based harassment, regardless of the sex of the parties, including when they are members of the same sex.
Types of Support
The Title IX Office provides support for all students, parents and employees. The Title IX Coordinator provides guidance on the District's Title IX policies and procedures and provides support to students, parents and employees who have experienced discrimination based on sex. To report sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, please contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Filing a Title IX Complaint
How to File a Title IX Complaint with STPPS
To file a Title IX complaint with the District, please submit a formal, written complaint of sex-based harassment to the Title IX Coordinator. To report sex based discrimination, including sexual harassment, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Mary Hart.
Title IX Coordinator
Name: Mary Hart
Email: Mary.Hart@stpsb.org
Phone: 985-892-2276
Address: 321 N. Theard St. Covington, LA 70433