2006 Louisiana Laws - RS 17:225.1 — Reduced school schedule; guidelines; pilot program

§225.1.  Reduced school schedule; guidelines; pilot program

A.  In order to assist each city or parish school board to operate a quality educational program, the Department of Education shall develop and establish guidelines for the implementation of a reduced school schedule in any city or parish school system.  Such guidelines and any procedures established pursuant to this Section shall be approved by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education prior to being effective.  A schedule may be designed by any eligible school board for operating the schools fewer days per week than is required by law provided the required yearly classroom instructional hours are not reduced; however, the schedule and its implementation shall not be effective until approved by the department and the board.  Operating on such an approved schedule shall not result in any diminishment of funds, services, materials, or other state support, nor shall any school employee suffer any diminishment of salary or benefits.  

B.  The department in its guidelines shall require school boards which design a reduced school schedule to:

(1)  Consider the health, safety, and attention span of the school children.  

(2)  Provide for the maximum use of available time for academic work.

(3)  Minimize any disruption of the educational process.  

(4)  Monitor the progress of children and determine the impact of a reduced school schedule.  

(5)  Insure that there is no diminishment of salary or benefits suffered by any school employee.  

Further, the department shall monitor the conduct of any reduced school schedule which is implemented to insure compliance with all guidelines.  

C.  In order to evaluate the quality of educational programs offered on a reduced schedule, and to determine what guidelines and procedures may be necessary, the department, prior to accepting any applications from other systems, and prior to developing guidelines shall conduct a pilot program by authorizing Red River Parish schools to operate on a reduced school schedule and monitor the operation and its results.  

Added by Acts 1982, No. 107, §1, eff. July 11, 1982.