2:031 ACTIVE MEMBERSHIP
Every active school board member whose board belongs to the Association is automatically an active member of the Association as long as the member remains in office.

2:032 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Any ex-member of the Association may become an associate member upon the recommendation of the school board of which he was a former member by paying the membership fee stipulated in this policy manual.

 

Associate members shall have all the privileges of active members with the exception of voting and holding office in the Association.

 

Past presidents of the Association who are no longer school board members shall automatically be associate members of the Association.

 

2:033 HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
Any person who has rendered outstanding service to the Association or to public education may, by a vote of the Board of Directors, be granted an honorary membership in the Association.

2:051 ANNUAL MEETINGS
Except in cases of emergency, the Association shall meet in regular annual sessions during the first quarter of each year at a time designated by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Directors and at a place selected by the membership at its regular meeting from a list of eligible cities presented by the Board of Directors.

The Executive Director shall notify all member school boards of the date of the next regular meeting of the Association at least sixty days prior to the date of the meeting.

2:052 RULES OF ORDER

2:0521 QUORUM
Active members present at the regular annual meeting (the State Convention) shall constitute a quorum.

2:0522 ROBERT'S RULES
Robert's Rules of Order shall govern all meetings in so far as such rules do not conflict with the provisions of the Policy Manual.

2:061 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the President-Elect, the Vice President and the Immediate Past President.

2:062 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
The Legislative Committee shall be appointed by the President of the Association with approval of the Executive Committee.

2:071 ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE
Active members only shall be eligible to hold the office of President. The Executive Director-Treasurer shall not be a school board member. No person shall hold more than one office in the Association at the same time.

2:072 TERMS

2:0721 The President, the President Elect and the Vice President shall be elected for one year terms by the Association membership at the regular Annual Meeting. They shall assume office during the LSBA Business Meeting held on the final day of the Annual Meeting.

 

2:0722 The President Elect will succeed to the office of President without having to contend for the office.

 

2:0723 The Executive Director-Treasurer shall be elected by the Board of Directors for a term of four years.

2:073 VACANCIES

2:0731 Vacancies in office shall be filled for the unexpired term by appointment. The President shall make the appointments with the approval of the Executive Committee.

2:0732 If any officer dies, resigns, becomes incapacitated or is not reelected, his term of office shall terminate and the President, may, with the approval of the Executive Committee, select a successor to serve until the business meeting held on the last day of the Annual Meeting.

2:0733 If any officer fails to attend two successive meetings of the Board of Directors, without being duly excused therefrom by the President, the President may then declare the office held by such absentee to be vacant; vacancies so created shall be filled by the President with the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.

2:081 THE PRESIDENT SHALL:

2:0811 Call and preside over all regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors;

2:0812 Appoint all committees and the at large members of the Board of Directors with the approval of the Executive Committee;

2:0813 Have a deciding vote upon all questions in case of a tie;

2:0814 Preside over the annual meetings of the Association;

2:0815 Perform such other duties as are necessary or as otherwise provided by the Constitution and the By Laws of the Association.

2:082 THE PRESIDENT ELECT SHALL:

2:0821 Assume the powers and duties of the President in his absence;

2:0822 Succeed to the Presidency when a vacancy occurs in that office;

2:0823 Perform such other duties as are delegated to him by the President or as otherwise provided by the Constitution and the By Laws of the Association.

2:083 THE VICE PRESIDENT SHALL:

2:0831 Assume the powers and duties of the President Elect in his absence;

2:0832 Succeed to President Elect when a vacancy occurs in that office;

2:0833 Perform such other duties as are delegated to him by the President, or as otherwise provided by the Constitution or the By Laws of the Association.

2:084 THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR-TREASURER SHALL:

2:0841 Collect membership dues and other funds of the Association and deposit them to the credit of the Association;

2:0842 Provide surety bond at the expense of the Association in the amount required by the Board of Directors;

2:0843 Edit, publish and distribute to the members, an Association journal, one issue of which shall contain the business proceedings of the Annual Meeting;

2:0844 Make a full financial report and a general report to the membership present at the Annual Meeting of the Association;

2:0845 Keep the records of the Association, attend to the correspondence and clerical work of the Association and the Board of Directors, and perform such other duties as the Directors may prescribe;

2:0846 Disburse funds from the General Fund upon the approval of the Association or the Board of Directors.

2:091 NUMBER
There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of seventeen (17) members. The seventeen (17) members shall be as follows: The President, the President Elect, the Vice President, the Immediate Past President, three (3) members appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee and two (2) members elected from each of the five (5) LSBA Districts.

2:092 DISTRICTS, COMPOSITION

2:0921 DISTRICT ONE (School Systems)
AssumptionSt. Charles
JeffersonSt. James
LafourcheSt. John the Baptist
OrleansSt. Mary
PlaqueminesSt. Tammany
St. BernardTerrebonne

2:0922 DISTRICT TWO (School Systems)
AscensionPointe Coupee
City of BakerSt. Helena
City of BogalusaTangipahoa
East Baton RougeWashington
East FelicianaWest Baton Rouge
IbervilleWest Feliciana
Livingston

2:0923 DISTRICT THREE (School Systems)
AcadiaJefferson Davis
AllenLafayette
BeauregardSt. Landry
CalcasieuSt. Martin
CameronVermilion
EvangelineVernon
Iberia

2:0924 DISTRICT FOUR (School Systems)
AvoyellesMadison
CaldwellMorehouse
CatahoulaOuachita
City of MonroeRapides
ConcordiaRichland
East CarrollTensas
FranklinWest Carroll
LaSalle

2:0925 DISTRICT FIVE (School Systems)
BienvilleLincoln
BossierNatchitoches
CaddoRed River
ClaiborneSabine
DeSotoUnion
GrantWebster
JacksonWinn

2:093 TERMS

2:0931 Directors from each of the LSBA Districts shall be elected for two-year alternate terms by the active members of the LSBA Districts which each respective Director represents.

2:0932 The three (3) Directors appointed by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee shall be appointed from three (3) different Districts for one -year terms.

2:0933 Directors shall assume office during the LSBA Business Meeting held on the last day of the Annual Convention. All members of the Board of Directors shall serve until their respective successors are elected or appointed.

2:094 REPRESENTATION
The ten (10) elected Directors and the three (3) appointed Directors shall be from different member school boards.

2:095 VACANCIES

2:0951 Vacancies on the Board of Directors shall be filled by appointment by the President with the approval of the majority of the Board of Directors for the balance of the unexpired terms.

 

2:0952 If a Director fails to attend two successive meetings of the Board of Directors, without being duly excused therefrom by the President, the President may then declare the office held by such absentee to be vacant. Vacancies so created shall be filled by the President with the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors.

2:096 MEETINGS
The Board of Directors shall meet at such times as may be determined by the President or upon the written request of eight of its members.

2:097 DUTIES
The Board of Directors has the following powers and duties:

2:0971 To act in all matters affecting the welfare of the Association not otherwise herein provided for, and where a meeting of the entire Association is inexpedient.
2:0972 To recommend to the Association plans of action whenever it considers such recommendations advisable.

2:0973 To prepare and present to the Convention an annual budget of receipts and disbursements for approval by the Association.

2:0974 To determine annual dues for member boards and associate members subject to approval by the Association.

2:101 NOTICES
Any active member who desires to seek an elective office in the Association must notify the Executive Director in writing by registered or certified mail postmarked at least forty-five (45) days prior to the first day of the Annual Convention.

2:102 WITHDRAWALS
Withdrawals by persons seeking elective office shall be in writing by registered or certified mail postmarked at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the Annual Convention.

2:103 ELIGIBILITY
Only active members shall cast ballots. No person shall hold more than one office in the Association at the same time.

2:104 TIME AND PLACE
Elections for officers and Directors shall take place at an appropriate time during the Annual Convention.

2:105 PROCEDURES

2:1051 OFFICERS
Election of officers shall be by written ballot during the Annual Convention of the Association. Elections shall be conducted early enough during the Convention so that in the event no candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, a second election shall be held between the two candidates receiving the highest number of votes.

2:1052 DIRECTORS
In cases where there is no candidate for a particular directorship, then, in that case only, nominations must be made at a District Caucus at an appropriate time during the Convention. Elections for Directors shall occur in the same manner as the election for officers.

2:1053 TIE VOTES
When no candidate receives a majority of all votes cast, there shall be a second election in which the two (2) highest in each case shall contend again.

2:111 Any active member of the Board of Directors may propose an amendment to the Policy Manual by submitting the amendment in writing to the Executive Director-Treasurer of the Association at least thirty (30) days prior to a scheduled meeting of the Board.

2:112 Written notice of proposed amendments shall be given to all members of the Board of Directors by the Executive Director-Treasurer at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting.

2:113 The Policy Manual may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors present at the meeting.

3:011 Annual State Convention
In accordance with the LSBA Constitution and By Laws, the Association shall meet during the first quarter of each calendar year at a place selected by the membership from a list of eligible host cities recommended by the Board of Directors. The date will be recommended by the LSBA staff based on the availability of a facility in which to hold the meeting.

LSBA's State Annual Convention program shall provide training, current information on education trends and emerging educational issues for school board members and school personnel.

3:012 NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION
LSBA shall provide training for new school board members so that they can better serve Louisiana's children. Training sessions shall be held at the request of individual school boards at an early bird workshop at the Annual State Convention following an election year for school board members. New school board members shall be informed of Act 66 of 1998 which requires all school board members to receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction in the school laws of this state, in the laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, and in educational trends, research and policy.

3:013 REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENTS ASSOCIATION UPDATES
The LSBA staff shall participate in the various regional superintendents association meetings throughout the state in order to update local systems on current issues, legislation, and other education concerns.

3:014 CURRENT ISSUES MEETINGS
As issues arise that will have a profound effect on the actions of local boards, LSBA will meet with superintendents, board presidents, and school board liaison persons to discuss critical issues and to formulate unified positions.

3:015 DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE
During each legislative session LSBA shall sponsor a "Day at the Legislature". All school boards will be contacted and encouraged to attend sessions and committee meetings of the Legislature on that day. Board members and superintendents will be afforded the opportunity to meet with their local legislators and to express their positions on proposed legislation.

3:016 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Following annual sessions of the State Legislature, LSBA shall sponsor a Legislative Update meeting for all school boards and superintendents. LSBA staff members will discuss and explain bills and laws pertaining to public education.

3:017 SCHOOL BOARD WORKSHOPS
On request from a local board, LSBA staff shall conduct three-hour training sessions for the board and its superintendent in a workshop setting. The requirements of Act 66 of 1998 can be partially met by attendance at the workshop. Pertinent topics may include any of the topics outlined in Act 66, as adopted in 1998 or as amended, and any of the following: School board/superintendent relations; Louisiana Code of Ethics and State Board of Ethics Opinions relating to school board members; and LSBA's Code of Ethics; Financial structure of Louisiana's Public School System; Roles, responsibilities and duties of school board members.

3:018 BOARD MEMBER RETREATS
On request from a local board, LSBA staff shall conduct one and one-half days of training for the school board and the local superintendent. The retreat agenda shall be prepared based on responses to a questionnaire completed by board members. The training session will provide interaction among board members on topics of interest and concern to them as well as those topics covered in the three hour workshop. This service shall fulfill the requirements of Act 66 of 1998 regarding in-service for school board members. The hours involved will also count towards LSBA's Voluntary Continuing Education Certification Program.

3:021 REPRESENTATION BEFORE THE LEGISLATURE
LSBA staff shall represent the interests of local boards in sessions of the State Legislature. They shall make contacts with legislators on current or pending bills before, in between, and after committee meetings and before the House and Senate go into daily sessions. The staff shall maintain constant contact with other groups concerning bills of common interest. The staff will compose "tick sheets" on bills and work as a coalition to support or oppose bills in committee and/or on the House or Senate floors.

3:022 ANALYSIS OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
During a legislative session, LSBA staff shall daily prepare analyses of bills and resolutions introduced into the Legislature. Early morning staff sessions shall be held to prepare line-by-line analyses of bills assigned to committees or coming up for floor debate on that day. Legislative instruments affecting public education and school boards are to be prioritized. The staff shall decide whether to support, oppose, or to take no position on scheduled bills. Staff assignments will be made by the Executive Director on actions to be taken at committee meetings and/or on working the House and Senate floors. Each day the staff will review tracking charts giving status reports on bills.

3:023 DISTRIBUTION OF LEGISLATIVE BULLETINS
During a legislative session the Executive Director shall be responsible for the publication of a weekly status report on actions of the State Legislature. The publication ACROSS THE BOARD (or a similar document) must be sent to all school board members to inform them of the status of bills and legislative actions that pertain to public education. In addition, an explanation of the intent of bills shall be included in the report.

3:024 COMMUNICATIONS WITH LOCAL BOARDS AND OFFICIALS

In addition to the weekly legislative bulletin referenced in 3:023, the Executive Director may issue a CALL TO ACTION, or other similar communications, to school boards and superintendents to inform them of critical bills coming up for debate. The alert will serve as an urgent notice for local legislative delegations of LSBA and all board members to contact their local legislators to express their desired outcomes on proposed legislation.

3:031 BESE AND COMMITTEES
The Executive Director and other LSBA staff shall be active in attending full board and committee meetings of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Staff members shall also attend meetings of special committees, councils and commissions appointed by BESE, and shall promote close working relationships with the State Board. Attendance at these meetings will allow LSBA to remain informed of current activities at the state level and of the BESE's positions on matters of interest to local boards. Local boards shall be so informed.

3:032 LOUISIANA STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
LSBA shall confer frequently with the Louisiana State Department of Education on current education issues, on fiscal matters, on the interpretation of proposed and adopted legislation, and on any other matters of mutual interest and concern. This association with the Department will necessitate maintenance of a close working relationship between LSBA and LSDE.

3:04 PUBLICATIONS SERVICES

3:041 QUARTERLY JOURNAL
LSBA shall publish a quarterly journal for distribution to designated persons in the months of September, January, March and June. Designated persons shall include all local school board members who are organization members and all local school superintendents. The Executive Director shall determine distribution to all other parties.

 

The journal shall include information on the Annual Convention, LSBA resolutions, legislative materials, information from other states and the nation on education issues, and such other matters useful to the training and or service to local board members, all as determined by the Executive Director, or his designees, and by LSBA By Laws.

 

In preparation of the journal, staff writers must abide by copyright laws and must provide sources of information. It is understood that materials published by other state school boards associations that are members of the NSBA Federation can be used in whole or in part or otherwise adapted to Louisiana without the necessity of securing prior permission from the member state.

3:042 LEGISLATIVE BULLETINS
During a legislative session the Executive Director shall keep the LSBA membership informed on a current basis of legislative actions affecting public education. He may devise publications to alert the membership of impending legislative proposals and actions.

 

At the close of a legislative session, and as soon as information is available on enrolled bills and proposals signed into law by the Governor, the Executive Director shall prepare appropriate materials for a Legislative Update Conference for all LSBA members and invited guests.

 

The Executive Director shall at all times during a legislative session have staff assigned to assist LSBA members via WEB sites and INTERNET services on the current status of legislation. He may, at his discretion, prepare position papers to be distributed to members of the Legislature and enter these on the Internet for retrieval by interested parties.

 

Cross References: PM 3:014 - 3:016

3:043 EDUCATION ENTIRELY, A HANDBOOK
LSBA shall be responsible for the publication of EDUCATION ENTIRELY, a handbook for Louisiana school board members published periodically. The handbook is to be a quick and user friendly reference manual of state constitutional provisions and statutes, court decisions, and federal laws governing the operation of public schools.

 

The handbook shall be presented in a loose-leaf binder in a question/answer style with each answer giving a legal reference or source.

 

Among the topics in the publication shall be the duties and responsibilities of the State Department of Education, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, local school boards and school superintendents, school board revenue sources, benefit laws for school personnel, and information on teacher retirement and unemployment compensation. It shall contain the LSBA Constitution and By Laws.

3:044 SPECIAL RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
The Executive Director shall, on request from the Executive Committee, or may at his discretion, have special research publications prepared by LSBA staff or research consultants. Research topics prepared by consultants and employment of consultants shall require approval by the Executive Committee.

3:051 SCHOOL BOARD VISITATIONS
In addition to workshops and retreats, LSBA staff shall attend local school board meetings on special occasions or by request to serve as consultants on selected topics or issues.

3:052 REAPPORTIONMENT ASSISTANCE
On request from a local board, LSBA staff shall provide the board with copies of state and federal laws and guidelines relating to reapportionment. LSBA staff shall also assist local boards to locate reapportionment consultants or other school boards or governmental entities which have recently undergone a reapportionment procedure.

3:053 LEGAL INQUIRIES
LSBA staff will field legal questions from its membership made by telephone or written correspondence by providing copies of legislation and/or Attorney General Opinions or other materials or information related to the inquiry. Only the attorney employed by the Association shall give legal opinions from LSBA. The staff may advise local boards to contact local board attorneys, the Association counsel, or the Office of the State Attorney General.

3:054 CONSULTATION ON SCHOOL BOARD POLICY MATTERS
LSBA staff, on request from a local board, will review local policy statements and local board minutes to assist in solving local problems and assuring that there is no conflict with existing governmental laws and regulations.

3:061 LEGISLATIVE ACTS
LSBA shall keep current files on acts passed by the State Legislature. The organization shall purchase services from West's Publication Company and shall maintain current editions of the Revised Statutes and appropriate Pocket Parts. Copies of recent legislative bills and acts will be maintained for a reasonable time after a given Legislative Session. Association members will have free access to this information during Legislative Sessions and at any other time that legal issues arise. Local boards are always advised to seek legal advice and interpretation of laws from their local school board attorneys.

3:062 PUBLIC SCHOOL FINANCE
LSBA shall provide Association members with information on the Minimum Foundation Program on request and as developments in the formula occur. Questions concerning the fiscal affairs of local boards can be directed to the LSBA office at any time, and the staff will assist with solving problems of a financial nature. Advisory and consultive services are available without charge to local school boards.

3:063 STATE BOARD POLICIES
LSBA shall monitor the activities of the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and keep Association members apprised of all State Board policies. Reviews shall be made of BESE policies advertised for adoption and policies adopted as RULES in the LOUISIANA REGISTER. Questions concerning BESE bulletins and actions can be directed to the Executive Director for response.

3:071 LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE
LSBA will strive to educate members of the State Legislature by its lobbying activities both during a legislative session and in the interim between sessions. Personal consultations may be held with individual legislators, and verbal or written information may be provided. The legislative agenda of LSBA shall be based on resolutions adopted at the Annual Convention. School systems must submit local resolutions to the LSBA Resolutions Committee which shall recommend adoption or rejection at the Annual Convention. Resolutions which are finally voted on favorably by the Convention delegation shall become the legislative agenda of LSBA.

3:072 STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
LSBA shall serve on state committees and commissions as assigned by law or invited and shall represent the interests of local school boards in discussions and debates on education issues. Appointments of LSBA staff members to such committees/commissions shall be made by the Executive Director. Appointments of school board members to such committees/commissions shall be made by the LSBA President in collaboration with the Executive Director.

3:073 U.S. CONGRESS
LSBA shall maintain open communications with Louisiana Congressmen. Communications may include telephone conversations, written correspondence, and use of WEB sites. The LSBA President shall appoint a Federal Relations Network Committee comprised of local school board members and superintendents from each of the seven congressional districts. These persons along with LSBA staff annually may attend the Federal Relations Network Conference in Washington, D.C. where federal legislation is discussed one-on-one with congressmen.

3:074 NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION; SOUTHERN REGION
LSBA shall become a federation member of the National School Boards Association and shall be an active member in the Southern Region, a subsidiary of NSBA. Educational materials received and requested by LSBA from both NSBA and Southern Region shall be shared with local boards comprising the LSBA membership. The Executive Director is authorized to consult with his counterparts in other states and with NSBA staff to secure information of interest to Louisiana.

Cross Reference: PM 5:00

3:075 EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
LSBA shall confer with other statewide education professional organizations mainly through personal contacts and joint meetings. Close contacts shall be maintained with organizations such as the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, the Louisiana Association of School Executives, the Louisiana Association of School Business Officials, and others which are closely aligned with LSBA and work cooperatively to achieve common education goals. Interaction with all organizations shall occur both during legislative sessions and in the interim between sessions.

3:076 UNITED SCHOOL COMMITTEE
LSBA will initiate and actively participate in discussions of public education issues with all organizations in the Louisiana education community, including but not limited to organizations representing school superintendents, supervisors, principals, personnel directors, business managers, teaching staff, transportation services, support services, parents and students.

 

In appropriate situations LSBA will consult with and seek information from institutions of higher education, including the various colleges of education located in the state.

 

LSBA will work to coordinate the various interests and positions of all education groups on issues of mutual interest and will actively promote consensus results with policy makers at the state and local levels, including the State Legislature, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the State Department of Education.

 

On matters of mutual concern, the Executive Director of LSBA may communicate with administrators in the nonpublic sector to provide and seek information.

6:011 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director shall perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the job description and in accordance with Association By Laws, rules and regulations, and shall provide executive management services for the Association. The Executive Director shall perform such other duties and services as may be entrusted to him/her by the Association in accordance with its By Laws and consistent with the terms of the contract agreement. During the term of the contract agreement, the Executive Director shall report and be responsible to the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors of the Association.

 

In addition, the Executive Director shall make recommendations regarding the employment and termination of Association staff, legal counsel, certified public accountants, and other consultants within the framework of the approved budget of the Association for approval by the Board of Directors. Should the Board of Directors disagree with t he recommendation of the Executive Director, it may require him/her to submit another recommendation but neither the Executive Director nor the Board of Directors may hire or fire without the concurrence of the other.

6:012 The Executive Director shall be responsible for the preparation of an EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK which will outline the job descriptions of the LSBA staff and provide for the skills and competencies to be annually evaluated by the Executive Director. The Handbook shall provide definitive information on employee benefits, holidays, and any other matters which the Executive Director deems appropriate for the efficient operation of the LSBA office.

6:021 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
All staff members are directly accountable to their immediate supervisor and the Executive Director. Staff members shall perform the duties and responsibilities as outlined in the job description for that particular job title/position found in the Appendix of this Manual.

6:022 SALARIES
The salaries of the Executive Director and staff shall be established by the Board of Directors. The salaries are to be paid in equal installments on the 15th and 30th of each month. Salaries may be adjusted in accordance with subsequent action of LSBA.

6:023 EVALUATION
The Executive Director shall be evaluated annually by the Executive Committee according to procedures approved by the Board of Directors. Staff members shall be evaluated annually by the immediate supervisor indicated in the job description for the particular position.

8:041 Registration fees from conferences, training programs, etc.;

8:042 Sales of advertising and exhibit space during the LSBA annual convention;

8:043 Investment of LSBA funds;

8:044 Sales of advertising and subscriptions to publications;

8:045 Policy services, i.e., sale of legal reference manual, policy update service, policy manual revision;

8:046 Contracts with school boards to conduct superintendent searches;

8:047 Grants from governmental or non-governmental sources;

8:048 Other activities which may be approved by the LSBA Board of Directors.

8:071 GROUP INSURANCE
LSBA will make available group health and life insurance programs for eligible employees. Employees are eligible to participate in the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board's group insurance program. LSBA will pay the health insurance premiums for Employee Only coverage, and the employee may elect to cover eligible dependents, and pay for such coverage through payroll deduction. LSBA will pay the life insurance premiums for Basic coverage, and the employee may elect to purchase any additional coverage for which he/she is eligible, and pay the premiums through payroll deduction.

Employees who have group health insurance as a retiree through a former employer, or an employee who is covered under a plan through the employer of his/her spouse shall be reimbursed by LSBA an amount equal to the Employee Only coverage that would have otherwise been paid to the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. Written evidence of such other group health insurance coverage shall be provided prior to any reimbursement.

Employees who retire from the Association after twenty (20) years of LSBA service will continue to be provided with hospitalization, life, and dental insurance at LSBA expense. (Reference policy adopted by LSBA Board of Directors December 9, 1986)

 

8:072 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
All Association employees will be subject to the provisions of the Louisiana Unemployment Compensation laws.

8:073 WORKERS' COMPENSATION
Workers' Compensation insurance coverage will be provided for all Association employees.

8:074 LIABILITY INSURANCE
LSBA will maintain a General Liability policy to protect the Association and its officers, directors, and employees. LSBA will also maintain a Special Events Liability policy to cover events away from the LSBA office. The Special Events coverage will include a Host Liquor clause to protect the Association when alcoholic beverages are served in connection with an LSBA sponsored activity.

8:075 PROPERTY INSURANCE
LSBA will maintain fire and extended insurance coverage to protect its building and contents. The amount of coverage will be determined by the Executive Director.

8:076 AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
LSBA will maintain insurance coverage on the Association owned automobile. The policy will include liability coverage in accordance with State law, with limits determined by the Executive Director. The Executive Director will also determine other coverages, such as collision and comprehensive, as well as deductibles which are to be included in the policy.

8:081 GENERAL
Reimbursable expenses are limited to those that are actually and necessarily incurred in connection with LSBA business, and which are reasonable in amount under the circumstances. Receipts for major expenditures must be attached to the expense voucher.

 

In determining the most cost effective method of transportation, factors to be considered include the length of travel time, cost of traveling by vehicle, and the cost and availability of common carrier services. Travelers should arrange for the most economical airfare available, under the circumstances existing at the time.

8:082 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
LSBA will reimburse its president for all reasonable and appropriate travel expenses incurred in performing the duties of the office. This includes attending meetings, conventions and conferences sponsored by LSBA, as well as those sponsored by other educational or related organizations both within and outside the state.

 

Other officers and directors will be reimbursed for their expenses when attending meetings, conferences, and conventions in Louisiana called by the LSBA president, when such attendance is reasonably expected as part of the fulfillment of their official duties as an officer or director of LSBA. This includes executive committee and board of directors meetings, but does not include meetings, conferences, workshops or conventions where attendance is presumed to be more closely related to the duties of a local school board member. In such instances, the expenses are expected to be reimbursed by the local school board.

Travel expenses for trips outside the state will be reimbursed by LSBA only when such trips have been previously approved by the LSBA President after consultation with the Executive Director. Such trips include, but are not limited to, NSBA convention for delegates and alternates, National Leadership Conferences, meetings of the Southern Region School Boards, and other meetings where the presence of LSBA officers is required or desired.

 

LSBA will reimburse members of Association committees for all reasonable and appropriate travel expenses incurred while attending duly called meetings of the committee. The chairperson of each committee will confer with the LSBA President and Executive Director prior to calling meetings of the committee.

8:083 EMPLOYEES
All travel by LSBA employees must be authorized and approved by the Executive Director. All claims for reimbursement shall be submitted on an expense voucher provided by LSBA and shall include all details required on the voucher. The voucher must be signed by the employee and approved by the Executive Director.

8:084 PERSONALLY OWNED VEHICLES
A mileage allowance shall be authorized for travelers approved to use personally owned vehicles while conducting LSBA business. The mileage allowance shall be that approved by the Division of Administration for travel by State of Louisiana employees, $.28 as of July 1, 1999. Parking fees will be reimbursed when accompanied by a receipt, or a note when receipts are not available.

8:085 LODGING AND MEALS
Travelers may be paid a meal allowance during business travel according to the following guidelines and schedule:

In State Out of State High Cost
New Orleans

Breakfast $ 6 $ 6 $ 8
Lunch $ 8 $ 9 $10
Dinner $12 $14 $19
Total $26 $29 $37

Receipts are not required for routine meals within these allowances and the meal reimbursement for all meals in one day of travel may be aggregated. The number of meals claimed must be shown on the travel voucher. If meal expenses exceed these allowances, receipts are required. In all cases, the expenses for meals must be reasonable and in keeping with the non profit purpose of LSBA, and approved by the Executive Director.

Reimbursement for lodging shall be at the single room rate, unless otherwise authorized by the Executive Director.

8:086 INCIDENTAL EXPENSES
Other expenses such as tips, taxi fares, telephone, etc. will be reimbursed on an actual expense basis when such expenses are related to LSBA business.