The draft of a policy requiring employees to log electronic communication with students was presented for review at the school board committee meeting for business affairs and administration Thursday night.

The Louisiana legislature passed HB 570, now Act 214, that requires school boards to set a policy regarding proper electronic communication with students. Cathy Aime, supervisor of administration, presented the policy to the school board committee for consideration. Aime said the policy is not intended to stop or interfere with proper communication between employees and students, but to monitor communication to ensure it is done properly.

According to the new state law, the policy must be formulated, adopted and implemented by Nov. 15. Aime said that the policy would attempt to be respectful of employees while being respectful of the law.

School board policy already prohibits what is considered to be unprofessional behavior such as dating, socializing with students or excessive personal attention outside of school.

The new policy would require employees to fill out a form when electronic communication with a student is conducted. This includes telephone, e-mail and other communication devices.

The protocol will refer to extracurricular activities as well, including sports, clubs and other activities that may necessitate e-mails and phone calls.

Aime said that moderators of clubs and extracurricular groups that will be contacting students on a fairly regular basis would keep their administrators informed as to which students are in the groups.

The school board committee approved the draft for review by the public and the policy is available for review and comments by the public on the school board website.

The committee as a whole also approved the budget for the 2009-2010 school year. The board will consider it at their regular meeting Thursday night.

The school board will be using mop heads for use throughout the parish supplied by the non-profit organization STARC. The non-profit provides Services, Training, Advocacy, Resources and Connection to help people with developmental disabilities lead fuller lives.

The organization operates a dry cleaner, a professional commercial linen service, art and greeting cards and now will make mop heads.

In addition to providing funding for the organization, the school system is receiving the product at a lower cost than in previous years, helping both organizations.