T’bonne school board members return to classroom

Members of the Terrebonne Parish School Board headed back to the classroom this month to complete training in accordance to requirements passed by the Louisiana Legislature, signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal, and adopted by the Louisiana School Boards Association.

Ethics and disclosure training for public school board members began in 2008, but for 2011 requirements, such as increasing completion of classroom hours from four to six, and the expansion of material, has sent a message that state lawmakers intend local elected officials to take their positions seriously.

“I’ve started already. I attended a workshop last week,” Board Chairman L.P. Bordelon said. “I think it is a good thing for board members and public officials to be fully aware of the do’s and don’ts of public office. It certainly keeps us on the straight and narrow, and that’s good.”

According to the Louisiana Board of Ethics, Act 3 states that beginning in 2011 elected state officials shall receive a minimum of one hour of training in code and government ethics every year of their terms. Newly elected officials are to complete that part of the training within 90 days of taking office. Elected officials must also complete a minimum of one hour education training in campaign finance disclosure.

Act 552 states that each elected official is required to complete four hours of training in school laws in addition to the one hour of government ethics.

Act 705 carries training to a higher level with a designation of distinguished school board member being awarded to those elected officials that complete 16 hours of training and instruction during their first year of school board service. Recognition of obtaining this level of education is given at the completion of a four-year term.

Added changes are anticipated as lawmakers have specified that beginning in 2012, every employee of a school district (including custodians, supervisors, cooks, secretaries, bus drivers, principals and teachers) will be required to complete a minimum one hour of training on the governmental code of ethics during each year that they are employed by the district.

Presently there is no penalty for board members that do not complete the required training. Although the Louisiana School Boards Association has discussed the possibility of imposing a fine of $100 per day on those who do not fulfill the ethics requirements.

Terrebonne Parish School Board Chairman L.P. Bordelon has already begun required training for school board members under Louisiana law. MIKE NIXON