News Summary
The Jefferson Parish School District is requesting $4 million to install cameras in all 327 special education classrooms to comply with a new state law aimed at ensuring the safety of students with disabilities. This initiative follows numerous reports highlighting the need for enhanced protections and oversight in educational settings. The state law mandates microphone-equipped cameras to be installed by February 2026 while updating policies on seclusion and restraint. The training for staff is scheduled to be completed by the 2027-28 school year.
Jefferson Parish School District Seeks $4 Million for Cameras in Special Education Classrooms Under New State Law
The Jefferson Parish school district is requesting up to $4 million from the school board to install cameras in all 327 special education classrooms. This request aligns with a new state law that aims to improve protections for public school students with disabilities. Under Act 479, every special education classroom in Louisiana is required to have microphone-equipped cameras installed by February 2026.
The legislation also mandates updates to seclusion and restraint policies that are applied to students with disabilities. Authored by Rep. Shane Mack (R-Livingston), the new law imposes stricter limitations on the use of physical restraint and seclusion for at-risk students. Schools are required to train their staff in a state-approved program focused on managing behavioral crises effectively.
The changes enacted by the new law will take effect on December 1, however, school districts have until May to submit updated policies. Teachers and staff in the Jefferson Parish district are expected to complete the necessary training by the 2027-28 school year, with approximately 300-400 personnel anticipated to require this training.
Funding and Installation Plans
A 2024 state Legislative Auditor’s report found that Louisiana’s education department fell short in overseeing the seclusion and restraint practices. The new legislation comes in response to numerous reports of abuse involving nonverbal children with special needs within educational settings. A school board member underscored that the cameras are intended for the protection of both students and teachers, and they will provide a record of classroom activities.
Previously, schools were required to install cameras within 90 days after a parent’s request. However, as of late last year, only $2.2 million of the allocated $8 million had been utilized. Each camera is estimated to cost around $5,000, with approximately 1,600 classrooms across the state expected to need camera installations.
Currently, Jefferson Parish school board members are working to acquire proposals from local vendors to manage the installation process for this project. The training guidelines for teachers will emphasize methods for de-escalating conflicts and ensuring the safety and well-being of all students during crises.
Requirements for Seclusion and Restraint Practices
Under the new laws, qualified staff are mandated to check on any student who has been subjected to seclusion or restraint, with comprehensive incident reports required to be filed for each occurrence. However, it should be noted that cameras will not be placed in areas where students change or remove clothing, and any footage captured will remain confidential, only accessible by authorized individuals.
This initiative represents a significant step forward for the Jefferson Parish school district as it works to enhance the learning environment for special education students while ensuring accountability and safety in classrooms.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- NOLA: Jefferson Parish’s Special Ed Classes Will Soon Have Cameras
- WBRZ: Cameras Will Soon be Required in Some Classrooms
- WAFB: Legislative Audit Reveals Lack of Special Education Oversight in LA
- Louisiana Illuminator: House Committee Supports Cameras in Special Ed Classrooms
- KPEL 965: New Louisiana Laws Effective August 1, 2025
- Wikipedia: Special Education
- Google Search: Louisiana special education policy
- Google Scholar: Special education video surveillance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Special Education
- Google News: Louisiana education law
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