Board tables Act 1 request
posted Wednesday, March 20th, 2013 @ 1:14 pm

The Concordia Parish School Board has tabled a request for an Attorney General's opinion regarding new educational reform legislation known as Act 1, which is presently being challenged in court.

That action came during the board's regular meeting Thursday night.
In tabling the opinion request, the board opted to wait until the constitutionality of the act is determined in the courts, including the superintendent's power to transfer employees.

Act 1 gives superintendents and principals final authority in personnel decisions while also holding them responsible for student performance. Passed by the Legislature last year, the measure also gives school districts the authority to measure teacher performance regarding personnel policies and decisions.

A Baton Rouge judge has ruled that a portion of the act is unconstitutional.
In a related matter, the board tabled the approval of several policies until Supt. Dr. Paul Nelson could determine which might fall under the authority of Act 1. Those policies up for approval Thursday night involved suspension, personnel transfer, resignation, employee attendance, sabbatical leave, sick leave and substitute personnel.